Stapling instrument comprising a firing lockout

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling instrument comprising a tissue cutting knife movable through a staple cartridge to perform a staple firing stroke is disclosed. The stapling instrument further comprises a lockout system configured to prevent the tissue cutting knife from being moved through the staple firing stroke if the staple cartridge is missing from the stapling instrument and/or if the staple cartridge has been previously fired. The lockout system comprises a flexible spring that acts on the bottom of the tissue cutting knife at the initiation of the staple firing stroke to push the tissue cutting knife into a lockout recess if the staple cartridge is missing or has been previously fired.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/194,621, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, filed May 28, 2021 and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/234,396, entitled STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCLUDING CARTRIDGE INSERTION CONTROL, filed Aug. 18, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a left side elevation view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 1C is a right side elevation view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 1D is a front elevation view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 1E is a back elevation view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 1F is a plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 1G is a bottom view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a nozzle of the shaft of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an orientation switch of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle including an orientation sensor and a shaft comprising magnetic elements detectable by the orientation sensor;

FIG. 7 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle and articulation actuators on opposing sides of the handle;

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle and a rotatable shaft including articulation actuators on opposing sides of the shaft;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the shaft of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle and a rotatable shaft including two articulation actuators on opposing sides of the shaft;

FIG. 12 is an end view of the shaft of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a slideable articulation actuator including two positions and a detent between the two positions;

FIG. 14 illustrates a capacitive switch including first and second sides, a first light in the first side which illuminates when the first side is contacted, and a second light in the second side which illuminates when the second side is contacted;

FIG. 15 illustrates a two-stage rocker switch for articulating an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a partial top view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising an end effector and lights positioned on opposite sides of the end effector which are illuminated to indicate the direction in which the end effector is being articulated;

FIG. 17 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising directional indicators which are illuminated to indicate which way the end effector is being articulated;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including a slideable articulation switch including three positions—an articulate left position, an articulate right position, and a center, or home, position;

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including an articulation joystick actuatable along a longitudinal axis;

FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including an end effector and an articulation joystick actuatable to articulate the end effector about more than one axis;

FIG. 22A is a front elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including a plurality of articulation controls;

FIG. 22B is a partial side elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23 is an elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including a 4-way tactile articulation control;

FIG. 24 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including a 4-way tactile articulation control including a center, or home, actuator;

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including a 4-way capacitive surface;

FIG. 26A illustrates a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including an end effector and lights positioned on opposite sides of the end effector which are illuminated to indicate the direction in which the end effector is being articulated;

FIG. 26B is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 26A;

FIG. 27 illustrates a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment including an articulation joint, an end effector articulatable about the articulation joint, and a translatable articulation actuator configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation joint;

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective view of an articulatable end effector, an articulation actuator configured to rotate the end effector about an articulation joint, and demarcations on the articulation actuator which indicate the direction in which an end effector is articulated and/or is being articulated;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle, a rotatable shaft extending from the handle, and a rotatable actuator on the handle configured to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 29 illustrating the shaft in a rotated position;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 29 illustrated with a portion of the handle housing removed;

FIG. 32 is a partial detail view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 33 is a partial detail view of an articulation joint in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment usable with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 34 is a partial perspective view of an articulation drive pin extending from a frame of the end effector of the embodiment of FIG. 33 ;

FIG. 35 is a partial detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 illustrating the end effector in an articulated position;

FIG. 36 is a partial detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 illustrating the end effector in another articulated position;

FIG. 37 is a partial detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 illustrating the end effector in another articulated position;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated in an open configuration;

FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating tissue stops of the end effector;

FIG. 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating a pivot joint between a staple cartridge jaw and an anvil jaw of the end effector;

FIG. 41 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge jaw of FIG. 40 without a staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge jaw;

FIG. 42 is a partial perspective view of the anvil jaw of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 43 is a partial top view of the pivot joint of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge jaw of an end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated without a staple cartridge in the staple cartridge jaw;

FIG. 45A is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 44 in an open configuration;

FIG. 45B is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 44 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating a firing member in an unfired position;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating a cartridge stop on the anvil jaw configured to stop the proximal insertion of a staple cartridge into the staple cartridge jaw;

FIG. 48 is a partial perspective view of the anvil jaw of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating surfaces configured to control the position of the firing member of FIG. 46 in its unfired position while the end effector is in an open configuration;

FIG. 49 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 50 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 51 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 52 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 51 ;

FIG. 53 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 54 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 53 ;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 56 is a partial perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 57 is a partial perspective view of a shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 56 ;

FIG. 58 is a control algorithm implemented by the surgical instrument of FIG. 56 ;

FIG. 59 is a partial perspective view of a shaft of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 60 is a partial perspective view of a shaft of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 61 is a partial perspective view of a shaft of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 62 is a partial perspective view of a shaft of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a slip ring assembly of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 64 is another perspective view of the slip ring assembly of FIG. 63 ;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a shaft component of the surgical instrument of FIG. 63 ;

FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 63 ;

FIG. 67 is a diagram depicting a shaft orientation sensor array in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 68 is a partial elevational view of an end effector comprising an anvil jaw and a cartridge jaw, wherein the anvil jaw comprises a distal portion that rotatable between a first operational orientation and a second operational orientation which is different than the first operational orientation, and wherein the distal portion of the anvil jaw is illustrated in the first operational orientation;

FIG. 69 is a partial perspective view of the anvil jaw of FIG. 68 , wherein the distal portion of the anvil jaw is illustrated in a partially rotated orientation;

FIG. 69A depicts a connector holding the distal portion to the anvil jaw of FIG. 68 ;

FIG. 70 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 68 , wherein the distal portion of the anvil jaw is illustrated in the second operational orientation;

FIG. 71 is a partial perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 68 , wherein the distal portion of the anvil jaw is illustrated in the second operational orientation;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the distal end of a proximal articulation rod in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the interface between a proximal articulation rod and a distal articulation rod of an articulation drive in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 73A is a detail view of the interface between the proximal articulation rod of FIG. 73 and an articulation lock;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the interface between the proximal articulation rod of FIG. 72 with the distal articulation rod of FIG. 73 ;

FIG. 74A is a detail view of the interface between the proximal articulation rod of FIG. 72 with the articulation lock of FIG. 73A;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the articulation lock of FIG. 73A;

FIG. 76 is another perspective view of the articulation lock of FIG. 73A;

FIG. 77 illustrates the range of motion for the distal articulation rod of FIG. 73 ;

FIG. 78 is an algorithm for a control system to assess and acquire the position of an articulation system;

FIG. 79 depicts the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 and a speed chart algorithm of the staple firing system during a staple firing stroke;

FIG. 80 depicts the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 and a speed chart algorithm of the staple firing system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 81 depicts the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 and a speed chart algorithm of the staple firing system during a staple firing stroke;

FIG. 82A depicts a graph of the duty cycle of and firing force experienced by the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during three staple firing strokes;

FIG. 82B depicts a graph of the duty cycle of and firing force experienced by the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during three staple firing strokes at a higher firing speed than that of FIG. 82A;

FIG. 83A depicts a graph of the duty cycle, firing force, and firing speed experienced by the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during a staple firing stroke through 1.35 mm thick jejunum tissue;

FIG. 83B depicts a graph of the duty cycle, firing force, and firing speed experienced by the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during a staple firing stroke through 4 mm thick stomach tissue;

FIGS. 84A and 84B depict graphs comparing the firing force through tissue as compared to a tissue analogue;

FIGS. 85A and 85B depict graphs demonstrating the duty cycle and the firing speed experienced by the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during several staple firing strokes;

FIG. 86A depicts a graph of the duty cycle of the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during staple firing strokes through thin jejunum tissue;

FIG. 86B depicts a graph of the duty cycle of the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during staple firing strokes through thick jejunum tissue;

FIG. 86C depicts a graph of the duty cycle of the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during staple firing strokes through stomach tissue;

FIG. 87 depicts a graph of the duty cycle of the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during a staple firing stroke in which the control system increased the speed of the staple firing stroke;

FIG. 88 depicts a graph of the duty cycle of the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during a staple firing stroke in which the control system substantially maintained the same speed throughout the staple firing stroke;

FIG. 89 depicts a graph of the duty cycle of the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 during a staple firing stroke in which the control system decreased the speed of the staple firing stroke;

FIG. 90 is an elevational view of a surgical instrument including a handle and a shaft in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 91 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of a frame of the handle of FIG. 90 connected to a frame of the shaft of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 93 is an exploded view of the handle frame and the shaft frame of FIG. 92 ;

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 95 is a partial perspective view of the handle of FIG. 90 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 96 is a partial cross-sectional view of a switch of the handle of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 97 is a partial perspective view of a handle and a shaft of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 98 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 97 illustrated in a first rotational position;

FIG. 99 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 97 illustrated in a second rotational position;

FIG. 100 depicts a control system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 97 ;

FIG. 101 is an elevational view of the handle of FIG. 90 illustrated with some components removed illustrating a closure actuator of the handle in a partially-closed position;

FIG. 102 is a partial detail view of the closure system of the handle of FIG. 90 illustrated in a partially-closed configuration;

FIG. 103 is a partial detail view of the closure system of the handle of FIG. 90 illustrated in a fully-closed configuration;

FIG. 104 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle and a shaft in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 105 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 104 illustrated in a partially-closed configuration;

FIG. 106 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 104 illustrated in a fully-closed configuration;

FIG. 107 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle and a shaft in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 108 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 107 depicting an actuatable closure lock;

FIG. 109 is a partial perspective view of the handle of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 110 is a partial perspective view of the closure system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 111 is a partial perspective view of a closure system in accordance with at least embodiment;

FIG. 112A depicts a spring of the closure system of FIG. 110 ;

FIG. 112B depicts a spring of a closure system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 112C depicts a spring system of the closure system of FIG. 111 ;

FIG. 113 is a graph depicting the force generated by the spring system of FIG. 112C;

FIG. 114 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 illustrated with an illuminated articulation control when the closure system is in a fully-closed configuration;

FIG. 115 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 illustrated with an illuminated articulation control when the closure system is in an open configuration;

FIG. 116 depicts a control system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 117 depicts a control system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 118 is a partial perspective view of the shaft and end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 119 is a perspective view of the components of an articulation lock of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 120 is a partial perspective view of the articulation lock components of FIG. 119 ;

FIG. 121 is a plan view of an articulation lock in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 122 is a plan view of a lock tab of the articulation lock of FIG. 121 ;

FIG. 123 is a partial perspective view of a shaft and end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 124 illustrates an articulation lock of the surgical instrument of FIG. 123 in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 125 illustrates the articulation lock of FIG. 124 in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 126 is a perspective view of some components of the articulation lock of FIG. 124 ;

FIG. 127 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 illustrated in a fully-clamped configuration;

FIG. 128 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 90 illustrated in an open configuration;

FIG. 129 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 90 illustrated in a partially-closed configuration;

FIG. 130 is a partial cross-sectional view of a channel of the end effector of FIG. 127 ;

FIG. 131 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 132 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 90 illustrated with additional components removed;

FIG. 133 is a partial perspective view of an inner frame of the shaft of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 134 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 135 is a partial plan view of a shaft and end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 136 is a partial plan view of the shaft and end effector of FIG. 135 illustrated with additional components removed;

FIG. 137 is a partial plan view of the shaft and end effector of FIG. 135 illustrated with additional components removed;

FIG. 138 is a partial perspective view of a frame of the shaft of FIG. 135 ;

FIG. 139 is a partial perspective view of a component of the frame of the shaft of FIG. 135 ;

FIG. 140 is a partial perspective view of a component of the frame of the shaft of FIG. 135 ;

FIG. 141 is a partial cross-sectional view of the frame of the shaft of FIG. 135 ;

FIG. 142 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shaft and end effector of FIG. 135 illustrated with components removed;

FIG. 143 is a plan view of a component of an articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 135 ;

FIG. 144 is a plan view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 135 illustrated in an unarticulated position;

FIG. 145 illustrates the end effector of FIG. 144 articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 146 illustrates the end effector of FIG. 144 articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 147 is a partial plan view of a jaw of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 including a staple firing lockout;

FIG. 148 is a partial elevational view of a staple firing system and the staple firing lockout of FIG. 147 ;

FIG. 149 depicts a portion of a power regulation circuit of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 149A depicts another portion of the power regulation circuit of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 150 is a partial perspective view of the handle of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 151 is a cover of the handle of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 152 is a cover analog used during the manufacturing of the surgical instrument of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 153 is a control circuit of the handle of FIG. 90 ;

FIG. 154 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation joint in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 155 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 156 is a top view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 157 is an exploded view of the shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 158 is an exploded view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 159 is an exploded view of the handle of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 160 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 illustrating the end effector in an open configuration;

FIG. 161 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 162 is a perspective view of a firing member of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 163 is a plan view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 164 is a plan view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 165 is a plan view of the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 166 is a partial plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 in an unarticulated configuration illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 167 is a partial plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 in an articulated configuration illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 168 is a perspective view of an articulation lock of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 169 is a perspective view of a clutch assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 in an engaged position in which an articulation drive of the surgical instrument is engaged with the firing drive of the surgical instrument by the clutch assembly;

FIG. 170 is a perspective view of the clutch assembly of FIG. 169 in a disengaged position in which the articulation drive is not engaged with the firing drive;

FIG. 171 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 169 in the disengaged position of FIG. 170 ;

FIG. 172 is a detail view of the articulation drive of FIG. 169 engaged with the firing drive;

FIG. 173 is a detail view of the articulation drive of FIG. 169 disengaged from the firing drive;

FIG. 174 is a detail view of the firing drive of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 moving relative to the articulation drive;

FIG. 175 is a detail view of an interconnection between the firing member of FIG. 162 and a firing rod of the firing drive;

FIG. 176 is a partial perspective view of the handle of FIG. 159 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 177 is a partial perspective view of the handle of FIG. 159 illustrated with additional components removed;

FIG. 178 is a partial perspective view of the handle of FIG. 159 illustrating the motor of the firing drive of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 ;

FIG. 179 is an elevational view of the handle of FIG. 159 with the housing removed;

FIG. 180 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 illustrated with components removed;

FIG. 181 is another partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 illustrating an orientation switch configured to affect the operation of the articulation controls;

FIG. 182 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 illustrating the orientation switch of FIG. 181 in a closed state;

FIG. 183 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 illustrating the orientation switch of FIG. 181 in an open state;

FIG. 184 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 185 is an exploded view of the end effector of FIG. 184 ;

FIG. 186 is another exploded view of the end effector of FIG. 184 ;

FIG. 187 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 184 ;

FIG. 188 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 189 is an exploded view of the end effector of FIG. 188 ;

FIG. 190 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 188 ;

FIG. 191 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated without a staple cartridge seated in a cartridge jaw of the end effector;

FIG. 192 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 191 illustrated in an open configuration with a staple cartridge seated in the cartridge jaw;

FIG. 193 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 191 illustrated in a clamped configuration;

FIG. 194 is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle and a shaft assembly rotatable relative to the handle, wherein the handle comprises an articulation actuator and visual indicators configured to indicate the state of the articulation actuator and to indicate the orientation of the shaft assembly relative to the handle;

FIG. 195 is an elevational view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 194 ;

FIG. 196 is an elevational view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 194 , wherein an indicator light is indicating that the control system of the surgical stapling instrument has modified the output of the control system in response to the articulation actuator;

FIG. 197 is a display of a surgical hub in accordance with at least one embodiment displaying the orientation status of an anvil jaw;

FIG. 198 is a display of a surgical hub in accordance with at least one embodiment displaying the articulation actuator status of a surgical instrument assembly;

FIG. 199 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle, a shaft assembly, and a sensing system configured to monitor and detect the orientation of the shaft assembly relative to the handle;

FIG. 200 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle, a shaft assembly, and a sensing system configured to monitor and detect the orientation of the shaft assembly relative to the handle;

FIG. 201 is a perspective view of a nozzle of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 200 ;

FIG. 202 is a diagram of a magnet ring of the sensing system of FIG. 200 in the nozzle of FIG. 201 ;

FIG. 203 is a diagram of a different magnet ring for use with the sensing system of FIG. 200 ;

FIG. 204 is an elevational view of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle, a shaft assembly, and an end effector articulatable relative to the shaft assembly, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises visual indicators configured to indicate to a user of the surgical stapling instrument whether or not the surgical stapling instrument is capable of articulating the end effector; FIG. 204 also illustrates an anvil jaw of the end effector in a fully open position;

FIG. 205 is an elevational view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 204 illustrating the anvil jaw in a first partially-clamped position;

FIG. 206 is an elevational view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 204 illustrating the anvil jaw in a second partially-clamped position;

FIG. 207 is an elevational view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 204 illustrating the anvil jaw in a fully-clamped position;

FIG. 208 is a partial perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a closure drive including a closure trigger and a sensing system configured to sense the movement and position of the closure trigger; and

FIG. 209 is a partial perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a transmission system that selectively couples a firing drive and an articulation drive of the surgical instrument assembly and a sensing system configured to sense movement and position of a transmission collar of the transmission system.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on even date herewith and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING         A CONTROL SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS A FIRING STROKE LENGTH; Attorney         Docket No. END9361USNP2/210202-2;     -   U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING         A MOUNTED SHAFT ORIENTATION SENSOR; Attorney Docket No.         END9361USNP3/210202-3;     -   U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING         JAW MOUNTS; Attorney Docket No. END9361USNP4/210202-4;     -   U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING         A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INSERTION STOP; Attorney Docket No.         END9361USNP5/210202-5; and     -   U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING         AN ARTICULATION CONTROL DISPLAY; Attorney Docket No.         END9361USNP6/210202-6.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Oct. 29, 2020 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,190, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A STOWED CLOSURE ACTUATOR STOP;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,198, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN INDICATOR WHICH INDICATES THAT AN         ARTICULATION DRIVE IS ACTUATABLE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,205, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION INDICATOR;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,258, entitled METHOD FOR         OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,206, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,215, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW ALIGNMENT SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,229, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SEALABLE INTERFACE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,180, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LIMITED TRAVEL SWITCH;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/756,615, entitled         SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/756,620, entitled         SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,188, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A STAGED VOLTAGE REGULATION START-UP         SYSTEM; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/084,193, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR CONFIGURED TO SENSE WHETHER AN         ARTICULATION DRIVE OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IS ACTUATABLE.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Apr. 11, 2020 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,303, entitled METHODS         FOR STAPLING TISSUE USING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,304, entitled         ARTICULATION ACTUATORS FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,305, entitled         ARTICULATION DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ON A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,307, entitled SHAFT         ROTATION ACTUATOR ON A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,308, entitled         ARTICULATION CONTROL MAPPING FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,309, entitled         INTELLIGENT FIRING ASSOCIATED WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,310, entitled         INTELLIGENT FIRING ASSOCIATED WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,311, entitled ROTATABLE         JAW TIP FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,312, entitled TISSUE         STOP FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/846,313, entitled         ARTICULATION PIN FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT.

The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/840,715, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM, filed Apr. 30, 2019, is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Feb. 21, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,658, entitled METHODS         FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE         ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,670, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING         MEMBER;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,675, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRING MEMBER         THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE         HAS BEEN INSTALLED THEREIN;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,685, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,693, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND AN EXTERIOR ACCESS         ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,704, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A         CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLED THEREIN;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,707, entitled STAPLING         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,741, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,762, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING         LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,666, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,672, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,678, entitled ROTARY         DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND CHANNEL         ENGAGEMENT FEATURES; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,682, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING         SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications that were filed on Feb. 19, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,310,         entitled METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT         HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,319,         entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCKOUT         SYSTEMS; and     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,309,         entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN         CLOSURE SYSTEMS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, filed on Mar. 28, 2018, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,302,         entitled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED         COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,294,         entitled DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS         AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,300,         entitled SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,309,         entitled SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN         OPERATING THEATER;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,310,         entitled COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,291,         entitled USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO         DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,296,         entitled ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,333,         entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND         RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,327,         entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND         AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,315,         entitled DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS         NETWORK;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,313,         entitled CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,320,         entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,307,         entitled AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS; and     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,323,         entitled SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application, filed on Mar. 30, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/650,887,         entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Application, filed on Dec. 4, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,423, entitled METHOD OF         COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY         DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Aug. 20, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,101, entitled METHOD FOR         FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,183, entitled REINFORCED         DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,150, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSIONS AND TISSUE         STABILITY FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,098, entitled         FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,140, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID         TISSUE PINCH;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,081, entitled METHOD FOR         OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,094, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,097, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT         LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVE MOTIONS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,104, entitled POWERED         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A         FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,119, entitled         ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED         ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,160, entitled SWITCHING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/660,252, entitled         SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications and U.S. Patents that are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168642;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168649;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168646;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168645;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL         ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168644;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168651;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168629;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL         TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN         CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND         ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168630;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168631;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL         TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168635;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168632;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168633;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW         OPENING DISTANCE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168636;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF         STAPLING TISSUE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168637;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING         MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168638;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168639;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168584;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168640;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING         SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168641;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168634;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR         RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168597;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES         OF STAPLES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168599;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168600;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS         DEFINED THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168602;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168603;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE         FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT         CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168605;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168606;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A         FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2018/0168608;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168609;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168610;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168620;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168614;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF         DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES         WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168615;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled         BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE-FORMING POCKET PAIRS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168594;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE         MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS         WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168626;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING         SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168612;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168625;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168617;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS         AND POCKET SIDEWALLS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2018/0168601;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled         NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR         SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168627;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING         MEMBER PIN ANGLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168616;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING         SURFACE GROOVES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168598;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168622;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168624;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL         HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168611;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE         MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168604;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING         MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168607;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168585;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168643;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168586;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY         FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2018/0168648;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING         FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168647;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION         PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168650;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR         ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND,         ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168589;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR         USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168590;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE         SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168591;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A         ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168592;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL         SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION         STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168593;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168595;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168596;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168575;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168618;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168619;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO         DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168621;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168623;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW         ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A         FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED         CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168576;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY         MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS         TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018/0168577;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE         COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW         AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168578;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR         OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168579;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT         ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168628;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE         LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018/0168580;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled         ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN         ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE         SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168581;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY         ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END         EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED         CONFIGURATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018/0168582;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE         AMPLIFICATION FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2018/0168583;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,996, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297228;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,006, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING FASTENER CAVITIES INCLUDING FASTENER         CONTROL FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,324;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,991, entitled SURGICAL         FASTENER CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER STABILIZING ARRANGEMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,241;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,004, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH FIRING ELEMENT MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,369;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0297232;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,997, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DEPLOYABLE TISSUE ENGAGING MEMBERS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297229;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,002, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING TISSUE CONTROL FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,877,721;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,013, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES AND STAPLE RETAINER COVER ARRANGEMENTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297233; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,016, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYER ATTACHED THERETO, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0297235.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367695;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING         SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367696;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED         STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0367699;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0367698; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367697.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D826,405;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D822,206;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR         OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0281171;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR         SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,271,851;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE         DISPLAY FIELD, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0281172;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281165;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT         SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0281161;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL         CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE         MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0281166;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled         INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END         EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281168;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281178;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF         TISSUE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0281162;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0281186;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281187;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281179;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281183;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281184;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281185;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0281170;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281155;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0281173;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES         HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2017/0281177;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281188;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL         MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0281180;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2017/0281164;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INVISIBLE TISSUE SUPPORT, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281189;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0281169; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0281174.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 30, 2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0189018;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0189019; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS,         now U.S. Pat. No. 10,265,068.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016, which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END         EFFECTOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,029;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224342;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY         CONSTRAINT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0224330;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE         RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2017/0224331;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224332;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0224334;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN         ARTICULATION SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,030;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0224335; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224343.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016, which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,258,331;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0231626;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0231627; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2017/0231628.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.         Pat. No. 10,182,818;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now         U.S. Pat. No. 10,052,102;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,933, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING         FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING,         now U.S. Pat. No. 10,154,841;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE         FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0367255;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM         STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION         SUPPORT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0367254;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL         ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0367246; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL         ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,178,992.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,246;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE         LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/02561185;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE         TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR         MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0256154;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID         MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE         TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256071;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING         SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,148;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME         DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY,         CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,052,044;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled         INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,924,961;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL         TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH         SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,045,776;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART         SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,993,248;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR         DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A         SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256160;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND         POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,342; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. Pat.         No. 10,245,033.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S.         Pat. No. 10,045,779;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL         APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER         OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE         BAND, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,180,463;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL         CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE         BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0249910;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING         SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A         BATTERY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,182,816;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR         MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED         BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,931,118;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER         ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,028;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,258;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR         STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,250; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL         APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S.         Pat. No. 10,159,483.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND         MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,374;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat.         No. 10,188,385;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Pat. No. 9,844,375;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE         SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,748;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A         DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now         U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,027;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat.         No. 10,004,501;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING         BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,943,309;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING         BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,968,355;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,987,000; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM,         now U.S. Pat. No. 10,117,649.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR         SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,309;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY         POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Pat. No. 9,782,169;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL         SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled         ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE         PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,794;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK         SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,326,767;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR         STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL         METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT         PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0246475;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,230;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL         ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled         INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,883,860;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION         LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,244;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled         MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE         SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,623;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled         ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE         TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND         SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,888,919.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL         SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled         STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,826,977;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled         VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE         UP CONTROL, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,013,049;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,929;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK         ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Pat. No. 10,028,761;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S.         Pat. No. 9,690,362;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,820,738;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE         SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,004,497;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2015/0272557;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS         AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Pat.         No. 9,804,618;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE         PROTECTION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,733,663;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,750,499; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,201,364.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY         AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,111,679;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT         WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S.         Pat. No. 9,724,094;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING         DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Pat.         No. 9,737,301;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE         SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR         INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,757,128;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY         OF HALL MAGNET TO IDENTIFY CARTRIDGE TYPE, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,016,199;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART         CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Pat.         No. 10,135,242;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE         MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,788,836; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL         DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR         DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,826,976;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE         OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,649,110;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL         SYSTEM COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND DRIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat.         No. 9,844,368;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED         LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2014/0309666;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A GAP SETTING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,149,680;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR         MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR         ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,626;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,612;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE         SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now         U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,887; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR         MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,814,460.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED         BY A SINGLE MOTOR;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376,         entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382,         entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION         MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED         BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, filed on Dec. 28, 2017, the disclosure of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/611,341,         entitled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/611,340,         entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS; and     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/611,339,         entitled ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, filed on Mar. 28, 2018, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,302,         entitled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED         COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,294,         entitled DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS         AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,300,         entitled SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,309,         entitled SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN         OPERATING THEATER;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,310,         entitled COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,291,         entitled USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO         DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,296,         entitled ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,333,         entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND         RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,327,         entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND         AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,315,         entitled DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS         NETWORK;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,313,         entitled CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,320,         entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,307,         entitled AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS; and     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,323,         entitled SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications, filed on Mar. 29, 2018, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,641, entitled         INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION         CAPABILITIES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,648, entitled         INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH CONDITION HANDLING OF DEVICES         AND DATA CAPABILITIES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,656, entitled SURGICAL         HUB COORDINATION OF CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION OF OPERATING ROOM         DEVICES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,666, entitled SPATIAL         AWARENESS OF SURGICAL HUBS IN OPERATING ROOMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,670, entitled         COOPERATIVE UTILIZATION OF DATA DERIVED FROM SECONDARY SOURCES         BY INTELLIGENT SURGICAL HUBS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,677, entitled SURGICAL         HUB CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,632, entitled DATA         STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE         ANONYMIZED RECORD;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,640, entitled         COMMUNICATION HUB AND STORAGE DEVICE FOR STORING PARAMETERS AND         STATUS OF A SURGICAL DEVICE TO BE SHARED WITH CLOUD BASED         ANALYTICS SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,645, entitled SELF         DESCRIBING DATA PACKETS GENERATED AT AN ISSUING INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,649, entitled DATA         PAIRING TO INTERCONNECT A DEVICE MEASURED PARAMETER WITH AN         OUTCOME;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,654, entitled SURGICAL         HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,663, entitled SURGICAL         SYSTEM DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,668, entitled         AGGREGATION AND REPORTING OF SURGICAL HUB DATA;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,671, entitled SURGICAL         HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,686, entitled DISPLAY OF         ALIGNMENT OF STAPLE CARTRIDGE TO PRIOR LINEAR STAPLE LINE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,700, entitled STERILE         FIELD INTERACTIVE CONTROL DISPLAYS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,629, entitled COMPUTER         IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,704, entitled USE OF         LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE         PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,722, entitled         CHARACTERIZATION OF TISSUE IRREGULARITIES THROUGH THE USE OF         MONO-CHROMATIC LIGHT REFRACTIVITY; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,742, entitled DUAL CMOS         ARRAY IMAGING.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications, filed on Mar. 29, 2018, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,636, entitled ADAPTIVE         CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,653, entitled ADAPTIVE         CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL HUBS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,660, entitled         CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND         RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,679, entitled         CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR LINKING OF LOCAL USAGE TRENDS         WITH THE RESOURCE ACQUISITION BEHAVIORS OF LARGER DATA SET;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,694, entitled         CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR MEDICAL FACILITY SEGMENTED         INDIVIDUALIZATION OF INSTRUMENT FUNCTION;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,634, entitled         CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION         TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,706, entitled DATA         HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,675, entitled CLOUD         INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications, filed on Mar. 29, 2018, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,627, entitled DRIVE         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,637, entitled         COMMUNICATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,642, entitled CONTROLS         FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,676, entitled AUTOMATIC         TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,680, entitled         CONTROLLERS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,683, entitled         COOPERATIVE SURGICAL ACTIONS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL         PLATFORMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,690, entitled DISPLAY         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,711, entitled SENSING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

A surgical instrument 10000 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . The surgical instrument 10000 comprises a handle 10100, a shaft 10200 extending from the handle 10100, and an end effector 10400. The end effector 10400 comprises a first jaw 10410 configured to receive a staple cartridge and a second jaw 10420 movable relative to the first jaw 10410. The second jaw 10420 comprises an anvil including staple forming pockets defined therein. The surgical instrument 10000 further comprises a closure actuator 10140 configured to drive a closure system of the surgical instrument 10000 and move the second jaw 10420 between an unclamped position and a clamped position. Referring to FIG. 3 , the closure actuator 10140 is operably coupled with a closure tube 10240 that is advanced distally when the closure actuator 10140 is closed. In such instances, the closure tube 10240 contacts the second jaw and cams and/or pushes the second jaw 10420 downwardly into its clamped position. The second jaw 10420 is pivotably coupled to the first jaw about a pivot axis. That said, in alternative embodiments, the second jaw can translate and rotate as it is being moved into its clamped position. Moreover, in various alternative embodiments, a surgical instrument comprises a staple cartridge jaw is movable between an unclamped position and a clamped position relative to an anvil jaw. In any event, the handle 10100 comprises a lock configured to releasably hold the closure actuator 10140 in its clamped position. The handle 10100 further comprises release actuators 10180 a, 10180 b which, when either one is actuated, unlock the closure actuator 10140 such that the end effector can be re-opened. In various alternative embodiments, the handle 10100 comprises an electric motor configured to move the closure tube 10240 proximally and/or distally when actuated by the clinician.

The end effector 10400 is attached to the shaft 10200 about an articulation joint 10500 and is rotatable within a plane about an articulation axis. The shaft 10200 defines a longitudinal axis and the end effector 10400 is articulatable between a position in which the end effector 10400 is aligned with the longitudinal axis and positions in which the end effector 10400 extends at a transverse angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The handle 10100 comprises an electric motor and a control system configured to control the operation of the electric motor. The electric motor comprises a brushless DC motor; however, the electric motor can comprise any suitable motor, such as a brushed DC motor, for example. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 10,149,683, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, which issued on Dec. 11, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0125481, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, which published on May 10, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein. The handle 10100 further comprises a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery 10300 attachable to the handle housing which powers the surgical instrument 10000. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 8,632,525, entitled POWER CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND BATTERIES, which issued on Jan. 21, 2014, is incorporated by reference herein. The electric motor is operably coupled with a firing drive 10250 of the surgical instrument 10000 and is configured to drive a firing member of the firing drive 10250 through a staple firing stroke. The electric motor comprises a rotatable output including a gear engaged with a translatable rack of the firing drive 10250. The electric motor is operated in a first direction to drive the firing member through the staple firing stroke and a second, or opposite, direction to retract the firing member and/or reset the firing drive 10250. The surgical instrument 10000 further comprises an actuator 10150 in communication with the motor control system which, when actuated or rotated, signals to the motor control system to operate the electric motor in the first direction and begin the staple firing stroke. If the actuator 10150 is released, the motor control system stops the electric motor. When the actuator 10150 is re-actuated, the motor control system operates the electric motor in the first direction once again to continue the staple firing stroke. When the firing member reaches the end of the staple firing stroke, the control system stops the electric motor awaiting input from the clinician. When the clinician releases the actuator 10150 at such point, the control system reverses the operation of the electric motor to retract the firing member back into its unfired position. The handle 10100 further comprises a retraction actuator in communication with the motor control system that reverses the direction of the electric motor to retract the firing drive when actuated by the clinician. When the retraction actuator is depressed, the staple firing stroke is terminated regardless of whether the firing member had reached the end of the staple firing stroke.

The electric motor of the surgical instrument 10000 is also used to selectively drive an articulation drive system to articulate the end effector 10400. More specifically, the articulation drive system comprises an articulation driver that is selectively engageable with the firing drive and, when the articulation driver is engaged with the firing drive, the articulation driver is movable proximally and distally by the operation of the electric motor to articulate the end effector 10400. When the electric motor is operated in its first direction, in such instances, the end effector 10400 is articulated in a first direction to push the articulation driver distally. Similarly, the end effector 10400 is articulated in a second direction when the electric motor is operated in its second direction to pull the articulation driver proximally. When the articulation driver is not engaged with the firing drive, the operation of the electric motor does not articulate the end effector 10400. Instead, in such instances, the electric motor only moves the firing drive. That said, it should be appreciated that the movement of the firing drive to articulate the end effector 10400 does not cause the staple firing stroke to be performed. The range of motion needed to articulate the end effector 10400 is small, as compared to the range of motion of the staple firing stroke, and occurs proximal to the beginning of the staple firing stroke such that the staples are not ejected and the tissue is not cut while the end effector 10400 is being articulated. The surgical instrument 10000 further comprises an articulation lock which unlocks when the articulation driver is moved longitudinally by the firing drive and then locks the end effector 10400 in position when the articulation driver is not being driven by the firing drive. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Apr. 25, 2017, is incorporated by reference herein. The above being said, a surgical instrument can comprise a separate articulation motor in addition to the firing motor for driving the articulation drive system.

Further to the above, referring to FIG. 2 , the handle 10100 comprises a frame 10110, a housing 10120, and an articulation actuator 10160. The articulation actuator 10160 comprises a rocker switch, for example, which is oriented vertically on the housing 10120 and is in communication with the motor control system. The rocker switch is rotatable upwardly and downwardly about an axis to articulate the end effector 10400. The upper portion of the articulation actuator 10160 is pushed by the clinician to articulate the end effector 10400 to the left and the lower portion of the articulation actuator 10160 is pushed to articulate the end effector 10400 to the right. Such an arrangement provides an intuitive interface for the clinician; however, any suitable arrangement could be used. The handle 10100 further comprises a home actuator 10170 in communication with the motor control system. When the home actuator 10170 is actuated by the clinician, the motor control system operates the electric motor to re-center the end effector 10400 along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 10200 of the surgical instrument 10000. To this end, the control system is configured to track the position of the end effector such that, when the home actuator 10170 is actuated, the control system operates the electric motor in the correct direction to articulate the end effector 10400 in the correct direction and the correct amount. In various instances, the surgical instrument 10000 comprises a linear encoder configured to track the position of the articulation driver, for example, such that, when the home actuator 10170 is actuated, the control system can properly center the end effector 10400.

Further to the above, the shaft 10200 is rotatable relative to the handle 10100. The shaft 10200 comprises a frame 10210 attached to the frame 10110 of the handle 10100. In embodiments where the shaft 10200 is readily removable from the handle 10100, the shaft frame 10210 can detach from the handle frame 10110. In embodiments where the shaft 10200 is not removable from the handle 10100, the shaft frame 10210 and the handle frame 10110 can be integrally formed. In any event, the shaft 10200 comprises a nozzle, or grip, 10220 fixedly mounted to the closure tube 10240 of the shaft 10200. The grip 10220 comprises finger grooves 10222 defined therein and ridges 10224 extending between the finger grooves 10222 that provide walls against which a clinician can push their finger and assist the clinician in rotating the shaft 10200 about its longitudinal axis.

Notably, further to the above, the end effector 10400 rotates with the shaft 10200 when the shaft 10200 is rotated about its longitudinal axis. Thus, the end effector 10400 rotates clockwise when the shaft 10200 is rotated clockwise by the clinician and counter-clockwise when the shaft 10200 is rotated counter-clockwise by the clinician. In various alternative embodiments, the surgical instrument 10000 comprises an electric motor configured to rotate the shaft 10200 about its longitudinal axis. In either event, the shaft 10200 is rotatable from a top-dead-center (TDC) position in which the anvil 10420 is positioned directly above the staple cartridge jaw 10410 to any other suitable position within a full 360 degree range of positions. For instance, the shaft 10200 is rotatable into a right 90 degree position in which the anvil 10420 is facing to the right of the handle 10100 or a left 90 degree position in which the anvil 10420 is facing to the left of the handle 10100. The shaft 10200 is also rotatable into a bottom-dead-center (BDC) position in which the staple cartridge jaw 10410 is positioned directly above the anvil 10420.

As described above, the end effector 10400 is both articulatable about the articulation joint 10500 and rotatable with the shaft 10200. When the end effector 10400 is rotated in a plane when the end effector 10400 is in its TDC position, as mentioned above, the articulation control 10160 is intuitive to the user—push up to articulate left and push down to articulate right. This arrangement is also intuitive even after the shaft 10200—and end effector 10400—have been rotated 90 degrees to the right or to the left. However, when the shaft 10200 and end effector 10400 have been rotated past 90 degrees in either direction, the articulation control 10160 can become counter-intuitive to the clinician. In fact, the articulation control 10160 can seem backwards. With this in mind, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to flip the manner in which the surgical instrument responds to the articulation control 10160 when the shaft 10200 and end effector 10400 have been rotated past 90 degrees in either direction. In such instances, the controls become: push up to articulate right and push down to articulate left. To this end, as described in greater detail below, the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to detect the orientation of the shaft 10200 relative to the handle 10100, i.e., it is configured to detect whether the end effector 10400 is at least partially upside down with respect to the handle 10100 and then enter an alternative operational control mode in which the responsiveness of the surgical instrument 10000 to the articulation control 10160 has been reversed. Such an arrangement can make the surgical instrument 10000 easier to use in various instances.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5 , the surgical instrument 10000 comprises a switch 10130 mounted to the handle 10100 in communication with the control system which is configured to detect the rotation of the shaft 10200 relative to the handle 10100. The switch 10130 comprises a switch body 10132 fixedly mounted to the handle frame 10110 and three electrical contacts 10133 which are part of a switch circuit in communication with the control system. The switch 10000 further comprises a switch arm 10134 rotatably connected to the switch body 10132 and an electrical contact 10136 positioned on the switch body 10132. The switch arm 10134 is comprised of an electrically-conductive material, such as brass, for example, and closes the switch circuit when the switch arm 10134 comes into contact with the electrical contact 10136. The switch arm 10134 is rotated between an open position (FIG. 5 ) and a closed position when the shaft 10200 is rotated past the left or right 90 degree positions. More specifically, the grip, or nozzle, 10220 comprises a cam 10230 defined thereon which pushes the switch arm 10134 into its closed position when the shaft 10200 and the end effector 10400 is at least partially upside down. When the shaft 10200 is rotated upwardly past the 90 degree positions, the cam 10230 permits the switch arm 10134 to resiliently move back into its open position and open the switch circuit. The switch arm 10134 comprises a roller 10135 mounted thereto to facilitate relative rotation between the switch arm 10134 and the grip 10220.

A surgical instrument 11000 is illustrated in FIG. 6 . The surgical instrument 11000 is similar to the surgical instrument 10000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 11000 comprises a handle 11100 and a shaft 11200 extending from the handle 11100. The handle 11100 comprises a frame 11110 and the shaft 11200 comprises a frame 11210 attached to the handle frame 11110. The shaft 11200 comprises a grip, or nozzle, 11220, a first magnetic element 11230 s positioned on one side of the grip 11220, and a second magnetic element 11230 n positioned on the opposite side of the grip 11220. Stated another way, the first magnetic element 11230 s and the second magnetic element 11230 n are mounted 180 degrees apart. The handle 11100 further comprises a control system including at least one sensor 11130, such as a Hall Effect sensor, for example, mounted to the handle frame 11110 configured to sense the position of the magnetic elements 11230 s and 11230 n and, with this information, determine the orientation of the shaft 11200 relative to the handle 11100. Notably, the first magnetic element 11230 s comprises a permanent magnet with a south pole facing toward the handle 11100 and a north pole facing away from the handle 11100 and the second magnetic element 11230 n comprises a permanent magnet with a north pole facing toward the handle 11100 and a south pole facing away from the handle 11100. The magnetic elements 11230 s and 11230 n disturb the magnetic field emitted by the Hall Effect sensor and, when the shaft 11200 is at least partially upside down, the disturbance associated with such an orientation of the shaft 11200 is detected by the control system of the surgical instrument 11000 via a sensing circuit including the sensor 11130. In such instances, similar to the above, the control system enters into its second operating mode which flips the responsiveness of the surgical instrument 11000 to the articulation control 10160, as described above.

A surgical instrument 12000 is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The surgical instrument 12000 is similar to the surgical instrument 10000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 12000 comprises a handle 12100 and a shaft 12200 extending from the handle 12100. The handle 12100 comprises a housing, a first articulation control 12160 a positioned on a first side of the handle housing, and a second articulation control 12160 b positioned on a second, or opposite, side of the handle housing. The first articulation control 12160 a is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 12000 via a first control circuit and the second articulation control 12160 b is in communication with the control system via a second control circuit. The control system is configured to operate the electric motor of the staple firing drive in a first direction to articulate the end effector of the shaft 12200 in a first direction when the first articulation control 12160 a is actuated and a second, or opposite, direction to articulate the end effector in a second, or opposite, direction with the second articulate control 12160 b is actuated. The handle 12100 further comprises a centering, or home, actuator 10170 a positioned on the first side of the handle 12100 and a second centering, or home, actuator 10170 b on the second side of the handle 12100. Similar to the above, the actuators 10170 a and 10170 b are in communication with the control system which is configured such that the actuation of either centering actuator 10170 a or 10170 b causes the control system to operate the electric motor to re-center the end effector.

A surgical instrument 13000 is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 . The surgical instrument 13000 is similar to the surgical instrument 10000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 13000 comprises a handle 13100 and a shaft 13200 extending from the handle 13100. The shaft 13200 comprises a housing, a first articulation control 13260 a positioned on a first side of the shaft housing, and a second articulation control 13260 b positioned on a second, or opposite, side of the shaft housing. The first articulation control 13260 a is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 13000 via a first control circuit and the second articulation control 13260 b is in communication with the control system via a second control circuit. The control system is configured to operate the electric motor of the staple firing drive in a first direction to articulate the end effector 10400 of the shaft 13200 in a first direction when the first articulation control 13260 a is actuated and a second, or opposite, direction to articulate the end effector 10400 in a second, or opposite, direction when the second articulation control 13260 b is actuated. Stated another way, the end effector 10400 articulates in the direction of the articulation control that is actuated. The first articulation control 13260 a is positioned on a first finger ridge defined on a grip, or nozzle, 13220 of the shaft 13200 and the second articulation control 13260 b is positioned on a second finger ridge defined on the grip 13220. Notably, the articulation controls 13260 a and 13260 b are positioned 180 degrees apart. Alternatively, the articulation controls 13260 a and 13260 b can be positioned in the finger grooves defined in the grip 13220, although any suitable arrangement could be used. This arrangement provides an advantage of having the articulation controls in a position which is readily accessible by the hand of the clinician during use and, as a result, they are usable in an intuitive manner as the relative arrangement of the articulation controls 13260 a and 13260 b and the articulation directions are fixed.

A surgical instrument 14000 is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 . The surgical instrument 14000 is similar to the surgical instrument 13000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 14000 comprises a handle 13100 and a shaft 14200 extending from the handle 13100. The shaft 14200 comprises a housing, a first articulation control 14260 a positioned on a first side of the shaft housing, and a second articulation control 14260 b positioned on a second side of the shaft housing. The first articulation control 14260 a is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 14000 via a first control circuit and the second articulation control 14260 b is in communication with the control system via a second control circuit. The control system is configured to operate the electric motor of the staple firing drive in a first direction to articulate the end effector 10400 of the shaft 14200 in a first direction when the first articulation control 14260 a is actuated and a second, or opposite, direction to articulate the end effector 10400 in a second, or opposite, direction when the second articulation control 14260 b is actuated. The first articulation control 14260 a is positioned in a first finger groove defined in a grip, or nozzle, 14220 of the shaft 14200 and the second articulation control 14260 b is positioned in a second finger groove defined in the grip 14220, although any suitable arrangement could be used.

In addition to the above, the shaft 14200 further comprises a third articulation control 14260 c positioned on the second side of the shaft housing and a fourth articulation control 14260 d positioned on the first side of the shaft housing. The third articulation control 14260 c is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 14000 via a third control circuit and the fourth articulation control 14260 b is in communication with the control system via a fourth control circuit. The control system is configured to operate the electric motor of the staple firing drive in the second direction to articulate the end effector of the shaft 14200 in the second direction when the third articulation control 14260 c is actuated and the first direction to articulate the end effector in the first direction when the fourth articulation control 14260 d is actuated. The third articulation control 14260 c is positioned in a third finger groove defined in the grip 14220 of the shaft 14200 and the fourth articulation control 14260 d is positioned in a fourth finger groove defined in the grip 14220, although any suitable arrangement could be used.

A surgical instrument 15000 is illustrated in FIG. 13 . The surgical instrument 15000 is similar to the surgical instrument 10000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 15000 comprises a handle 15100 and a shaft 10200 extending from the handle 15100. The handle 15100 comprises an articulation actuator 15160 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 15000. As opposed to the articulation actuator 10160 which is arranged vertically, the articulation actuator 15160 is arranged horizontally. The articulation actuator 15160 comprises a rotatable element which is rotatable within a plane which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the shaft 10200. The rotatable element is rotatable distally to articulate the end effector 10400 to the right of the handle 15100 and proximally to articulate the end effector 10400 to the left of the handle 15100. This is true regardless of whether the end effector 10400 is rotated upwardly or downwardly owing to the control responsiveness flipping when the end effector 10400 is rotated past 90 degrees from its TDC position in either direction. That said, the controls of the articulation actuator 15160 can be reversed as outlined above. The articulation actuator 15160 comprises a distal contact which is part of a first articulation control circuit and a proximal contact which is part of a second articulation control circuit. The rotatable element engages the distal contact and closes the first articulation control circuit when the rotatable element is in its distal position. The rotatable element is not in contact with the proximal contact when the rotatable element is in its distal position and, as such, the second articulation control circuit is open. Similarly, the rotatable element engages the proximal contact and closes the second articulation control circuit when the rotatable element is in its proximal position. Correspondingly, the rotatable element is not in contact with the distal contact when the rotatable element is in its proximal position and, as such, the first articulation control circuit is open.

Further to the above, the articulation actuator 15160 comprises a detent in the middle of the range of motion of the rotatable element. The detent is configured to resist the motion of the rotatable element as the rotatable element moves from one side of the articulation actuator 15160 to the other. Such resistance to the motion of the rotatable element can signal to the clinician that they will articulate the end effector 10400 in the opposite direction once they move the rotatable element past that point. Moreover, such a detent provides a place to park the rotatable element such that the end effector 10400 is not being articulated in either direction. The rotatable element comprises a ridge alignable with its center, or parked, position which is pushable and pullable by the clinician to move the rotatable element. Such a ridge provides the clinician with a tactile sensation of the direction in which the rotatable element is rotated and, thus, a sense of the direction in which the end effector 10400 is being articulated.

The above being said, various embodiments are envisioned in which the flipping of the control responsiveness of a surgical instrument can be defeated. In at least one instance, the handle of the surgical instrument comprises an actuator in communication with the control system that, when actuated, causes the control system to not enter into its second, or flipped, operational mode. In at least one such instance, the handle further comprises an indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), for example, that is illuminated to indicate the status of the surgical instrument, i.e., whether or not the articulation controls will flip when the end effector is rotated past 90 degrees from its TDC position. In certain instances, the surgical instrument comprises an input screen in communication with a microprocessor of the control system which can receive an input to prevent the control system from entering into its second, or flipped, operational mode. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the flip point in which the surgical instrument enters into its second operation mode can be adjusted. In at least one such embodiment, the clinician can modify the flip point to 85 degrees, for example, in either direction from the TDC position of the end effector. Any suitable number, such as 80 degrees, 95 degrees, or 100 degrees, for example, could be used to suit the preference of the clinician. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an input screen in communication with the microprocessor of the control system which is configured to receive an input from the clinician to adjust the articulation control flip point.

During use, it is desirable for the articulation controls not to flip unexpectedly while the clinician is using the articulation controls. When the clinician starts articulating the end effector, the control system maintains the articulation control mode until the clinician releases the articulation control even if the end effector and shaft are rotated past a flip point during the articulation. Once the articulation has stopped, the control system can re-orient the articulation controls, or switch to the flipped articulation control mode if the end effector and shaft are still in an upside-down position. In certain embodiments, the control system does not immediately flip the articulation controls. Instead, the control system comprises a timer circuit and/or the microprocessor of the control system is programmed to wait a certain amount of time before flipping the controls. In at least one instance, the control system waits 5 seconds, for example, from the last time that the articulation controls were used before flipping the articulation controls. Alternatively, the control system can wait 2 seconds or 10 seconds, for example. Such an arrangement can help prevent confusion with the user of the surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument comprises a haptic feedback generator in communication with the control system which is activated by the control system when the articulation controls are flipped. Motor noise, light, sound, and/or a vibratory feedback, for example, can be used. In some embodiments, the shaft and/or handle comprises a mechanical switch which audibly clicks when the shaft is rotated past its flip point in either direction.

A surgical instrument 32000 is illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57 , the surgical instrument 32000 comprises a handle 32100 and a shaft 32200. The handle 32100 comprises an articulation control 32160 and an articulation flip switch 32130 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 32000. The articulation flip switch 32130 is mounted to a control board, such as a printed control board (PCB), for example, which comprises the hardware and software for the control system of the surgical instrument 32000. When the shaft 32200 is rotated past its 90 degree left or right position, the shaft 32200 contacts the articulation flip switch 32130 which is detected by the control system. At this point, the control system follows an algorithm for deciding when, or if, to the flip the articulation controls. An algorithm 32900 is illustrated in FIG. 58 which can control this, although any suitable algorithm could be used. Similar to the above, the shaft 32200 comprises a cam 32230 configured to contact the articulation flip switch 32130. As a result of the above, the articulation flip switch 32130 is open or “off” for 180 degrees of the rotation of the shaft 32200 and closed or “on” for the other 180 degrees of the rotation of the shaft 32200. The cam 32230 is molded into the shroud of the shaft 32200, but could comprise any suitable arrangement. The above being said, the throw of the cam 32230 is designed such that any lateral float or eccentricity in the rotation of the shaft 32200, or cam 32230, does not accidentally close or open the articulation flip switch 32130. To this end, the shaft 32200 comprises a fixed bearing for controlling the rotation of the shaft 32200 and the cam 32230. Notably, the articulation flip switch 32130 is sealed to prevent fluid ingress.

As discussed above, the articulation flip switch 32130 is directly mounted to a control board and is contacted by the shaft assembly as the shaft assembly is rotated related to the handle about its longitudinal axis. When the articulation flip switch 32130 is contacted by the shaft assembly, a force is transmitted to the articulation flip switch 32130 and the control board. Absent more, such a force can tend to deflect the control board and the articulation flip switch 32130 out of position without switching the state of the articulation flip switch 32130. In various embodiments, the control board is mounted to a housing of the handle via one or more screws such that the control board does not translate relative to the handle housing. In at least one embodiment, the screws comprise self-tapping screws that threadably engage the handle housing and/or the control board. In at least one embodiment, the control board is captured between two portions of the handle housing in a press-fit manner such that the control board is tightly held therebetween. In various embodiments, the articulation flip switch 32130 is attached to the control board using one or more fasteners, such as screws, for example, such that the articulation flip switch 32130 does not move relative to the control board. In at least one embodiment, the articulation flip switch 32130 is bonded to the control board using one or more adhesives. In at least one embodiment, the articulation flip switch 32130 is soldered to the control board using any suitable solder, such as eutectic tin-lead solder, for example. In at least one embodiment, the articulation flip switch 32130 comprises a body and electrical terminals that are both soldered to the control board. In at least one embodiment, the electrical terminals comprise pins extending through holes defined in the control board that are soldered into electrical communication with one or more trace circuits defined in and/or on the control board. In at least one embodiment, the electrical terminals comprise surface mount terminals that are soldered into electrical communication with one or more trace circuits defined in and/or on the control board.

In various instances, a surgical instrument comprises an input configured to permit a clinician to select whether the articulation controls operate in their ordinary articulation control mode or their flipped articulation control mode. In at least one instance, the handle of the surgical instrument comprises an input switch in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument. When the input switch is open, for instance, the algorithm controls the orientation of the articulation controls according to a predetermined set of criteria. When the input switch is closed by the clinician, the algorithm does not use the predetermined set of criteria to control the orientation of the articulation controls. Instead, the algorithm uses the orientation of the articulation controls selected by the clinician. In at least one instance, the handle comprises three input switches in communication with the control system—a first switch which instructs the control system to use the “anvil up” articulation controls, a second switch which instructs the control system to use the “anvil down” articulation controls, and a third switch which instructs the control system to use the automatic controls. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument does not have the automatic flip controls described herein and can just comprise the first and second switch inputs. Such an arrangement can greatly reduce the cost and/or complexity of a surgical instrument.

In various instances, further to the above, the flip point can be a specific point in the rotation of the shaft 10200. In certain instances, referring to FIG. 55 , a grey zone can exist around the flip point. For instance, the grey zone can include 20 degrees to either side of the flip point, for example. While the shaft 10200 is in the grey zone, the algorithm of the control system is configured to not flip the articulation controls even though the shaft 10200 may have been rotated past the flip point. Such an arrangement allows the shaft 10200 to be rotated back and forth within the grey zone without repeatedly flipping the articulation controls. Once the shaft 10200 is rotated out of the grey zone, however, the control system algorithm flips the articulation controls—subject to any other criteria needed for flipping the articulation controls. In various instances, there is an interface between the range of “anvil up” orientations and the range of “anvil down” orientations. For a shaft that is rotatable 360 degrees, there are two such interfaces—180 degrees apart from another. Each of these interfaces is positioned within a transition range of orientations that extends into the range of “anvil up” orientations and the range of “anvil down” orientations. When the shaft 10200 is rotated from an “anvil up” orientation into a transition range, the control system does not flip the articulation controls—but further rotating the shaft 10200 out of the transition range into an “anvil down” orientation will cause the articulation controls to flip. Similarly, the control system does not flip the articulation controls when the shaft 10200 is rotated from an “anvil down” orientation into a transition range, but further rotating the shaft 10200 out of the transition range in an “anvil up” orientation will cause the articulation controls to flip. In at least one instance, each transition zone includes 5 degrees of orientations from the “anvil up” range and 5 degrees of orientations from the “anvil down” range, for example. In other embodiments, each transition zone includes 10 degrees of orientations from the “anvil up” range and 10 degrees of orientations from the “anvil down” range, for example.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the up and down orientations of the shaft 10200 are measured with respect to the handle and/or a housing rotatably supporting the shaft. In such instances, a handle comprises a top and a bottom—regardless of its gravitational orientation—and the up orientations of the shaft 10200 are associated with the top of the handle while the down orientations of the shaft 10200 are associated with the bottom of the handle. In at least one such embodiment, the shaft 10200 comprises a gravity sensor, such as an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope, for example, and the handle comprises a gravity sensor. In such embodiments, the shaft gravity sensor and the handle gravity sensor are in communication with the control system which is configured to assess the relative orientation between the shaft and the handle using the data from the gravity sensors. In other embodiments, the up and down orientations of the shaft 10200 are measured with respect to gravity regardless of the gravitational orientation of the handle. In at least one such embodiment, the shaft 10200 comprises a gravity sensor in communication with the control system and the up orientations of the shaft 10200 are associated with vertically up positions while the down orientations of the shaft 10200 are associated with vertically down positions.

An articulation control 16160 is illustrated in FIG. 14 . The articulation control 16160 comprises a first capacitive switch 16162 and a second capacitive switch 16164. The first capacitive switch 16162 and the second capacitive switch 16164 are positioned on opposite sides of an axis 16167. The first capacitive switch 16162 is part of a first articulation control circuit in communication with a control system of a surgical instrument and the second capacitive switch 16164 is part of a second articulation control circuit in communication with the control system. The capacitance of the first capacitive switch 16162 changes when a clinician places their finger on the first capacitive switch 16162 which is detected by the control system and, in response to this change, the control system articulates the end effector of the surgical instrument to the right. The capacitance of the second capacitive switch 16164 changes when a clinician places their finger on the second capacitive switch 16164 which is detected by the control system and, in response to this change, the control system articulates the end effector of the surgical instrument to the left. In various instances, the axis 16167 comprises a dead zone which, if touched by the clinician, does not detectably, or sufficiently, change the capacitance of the first capacitive switch 16162 or the second capacitive switch 16164.

A two-stage switch 17160 is illustrated in FIG. 15 . When the switch 17160 is depressed into its first stage, a first articulation control circuit is closed. The first articulation control circuit is in communication with a control system of a surgical instrument. When the control system detects that the first articulation control circuit has been closed, the control system operates an articulation drive motor in a first direction to articulate the end effector of the surgical instrument in a first direction. When the switch 17160 is depressed into its second stage, a second articulation control circuit is closed. In various instances, the first stage comprises a first detent and the second stage comprises a second detent. In at least one such instance, the switch 17160 comprises a dual-detent switch that is depressable to two different depths, for example. In any event, the second articulation control circuit is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument. When the control system detects that the second articulation control circuit has been closed, the control system operates an articulation drive motor in a second direction to articulate the end effector of the surgical instrument in a second direction. Further to the above, the second articulation control circuit is open when the first articulation control circuit is closed and, likewise, the first articulation control circuit is open when the second articulation control circuit is closed. The above being said, in alternative embodiments, the articulation control circuits can be opened when they are in their respective stages to operate the articulation motor.

Many clinicians, further to the above, prefer to look at the patient when performing an open surgery and/or at an endoscope monitor when performing a laparoscopic surgery. As such, the clinician does not usually look at the surgical instrument that they are holding and, instead, rely on the tactile feel and/or intuitive design of the surgical instrument to operate the surgical instrument. Stated another way, the clinician may not prefer to look down at the handle of the instrument they are holding to verify the direction that they are articulating the instrument. That being said, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , a surgical instrument can comprise a shaft 18200 comprising indicator lights configured to indicate the direction in which an end effector, such as end effector 18400, for example, is being articulated. The articulation indicator lights are visible to the clinician while they are looking at the end effector 18400 of the surgical instrument—either directly or through an endoscope system monitor. In various instances, an endoscope system comprises an elongate flexible shaft including a camera, a light, and/or any other suitable optical device in communication with a control hub including a control system and/or a video monitor configured to display the output of the camera. In such instances, the end effector 18400 and the indicator lights are visible on the video monitor.

Further to the above, referring again to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the shaft 18200 comprises a first indicator light 18260 a positioned on the right side of the end effector 18400 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument via a first electrical circuit. When the control system receives an input to articulate the end effector 18400 to the right, the control system operates the articulation drive motor in a direction which articulates the end effector 18400 to the right and, also, illuminates the first indicator light 18260 a. When the control system no longer receives this input, the control system deactivates the articulation drive motor and the first indicator light 18260 a. Similarly, the shaft 18200 comprises a second indicator light 18260 b positioned on the left side of the end effector 18400 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument via a second electrical circuit. When the control system receives an input to articulate the end effector 18400 to the left, the control system operates the articulation drive motor in a direction which articulates the end effector 18400 to the left and, also, illuminates the second indicator light 18260 b. When the control system no longer receives this input, the control system deactivates the articulation drive motor and the second indicator light 18260 b.

As discussed above, the first and second indicator lights 18260 a and 18260 b are positioned on the end effector 18400 in a position which is readily observable by the clinician when they are looking at the end effector 18400. The indicator lights 18260 a and 18260 b are positioned distally with respect to the articulation joint 10500; however, in alternative embodiments, the indicator lights 18260 a and 18260 b are positioned proximally to the articulation joint 10500. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprises more than one set of indicator lights. In at least one such embodiment, a first set of indicator lights 18260 a, 18260 b is positioned distally with respect to the articulation joint 10500 and a second set of indicator lights 18260 a, 18260 b is positioned proximally with respect to the articulation joint 10500. An alternative embodiment comprising indicator lights 18260 a′ and 18260 b′ on a shaft 18200′ is illustrated in FIG. 18 . The indicator light 18260 a′ comprises an LED in the shape of a right-facing arrow while the indicator light 18260 b′ comprises an LED in the shape of a left-facing arrow. The right-facing arrow 18260 a′ points to the right of the end effector—but not necessarily to the right of the surgical instrument handle and/or the clinician owing to the possible rotation of the shaft 18200′. Similarly, the left-facing arrow 18260 b′ points to the left of the end effector—but not necessarily to the left of the surgical instrument handle and/or the clinician owing to the possible rotation of the shaft 18200′. Stated another way, the arrows, when illuminated, point in the direction that the end effector is being articulated. Given that the arrows are observable with the end effector on an endoscope monitor, for example, the clinician will develop a sense for the direction that the end effector will move when an arrow is illuminated upon actuating the articulation actuator. If the clinician observes that the illuminated arrow is the opposite of what they expected when they actuate the articulation actuator, the clinician can quickly react and re-actuate the articulation actuator in the correct direction. In various alternative embodiments, the arrows 18260 a′ and 18260 b′ can change colors when they are actuated. For instance, the arrow 18260 a′ is illuminated red when the end effector is not articulated to the right, but is illuminated green when the end effector is articulated to the right. Likewise, the arrow 18260 b′ is illuminated red when the end effector is not articulated to the left, but is illuminated green when the end effector is articulated to the left.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the articulation indicator lights can be embedded in and/or positioned on the outer housing of the shaft. In certain embodiments, the indicator lights are positioned inside the shaft, but are viewable from outside the shaft through windows and/or openings defined in the shaft, for example.

A surgical instrument 26000 is illustrated in FIGS. 26A and 26B. The surgical instrument 26000 comprises a handle 26100 and a shaft 12200 extending from the handle 26100. The shaft 12200 comprises an end effector 26400 including a staple cartridge jaw 26410 and an anvil jaw 10420. The end effector 26400 further comprises a first articulation indicator light 26460 a positioned on a first side of the end effector 26400 and a second articulation indicator light 26460 b positioned on a second side of the end effector 26400. Similar to the above, the control system of the surgical instrument 26000 illuminates the first articulation indicator light 26460 a when the end effector 26400 is articulated in the first direction. In such instances, the control system does not illuminate the second articulation indicator light 26460 b. Correspondingly, the control system of the surgical instrument 26000 illuminates the second articulation indicator light 26460 b when the end effector 26400 is articulated in the second direction. In such instances, the control system does not illuminate the first articulation indicator light 26460 a. The indicator lights 26460 a and 26460 b are mounted to and/or embedded in the frame of the staple cartridge jaw 26410. That said, the indicator lights 26460 a and 26460 b can be mounted to and/or embedded in the staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge jaw 26410. In such instances, the staple cartridge jaw 26410 comprises an electrical circuit in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument that is placed in communication with an electrical circuit in the staple cartridge when the staple cartridge is seated in the staple cartridge jaw 26410.

As discussed above, the articulation system of a surgical instrument can include an articulation driver which is movable proximally to articulate the end effector in a first direction and distally to articulate the end effector in a second direction. Referring to FIG. 27 , a surgical instrument can comprise a handle 26100, a shaft 12200 extending from the handle 26100, and an end effector 10400 rotatably connected to the shaft 12200 about an articulation joint 10500. The shaft 12200 comprises an articulation driver 10260 comprising a proximal end operably coupled to an articulation drive system and a distal end coupled to the end effector 10400. To this end, the articulation driver 10260 extends distally past the articulation joint 10500 and, in this embodiment, is partially visible to a clinician holding the surgical instrument. The portion of the articulation driver 10260 visible to the clinician is also visible to the clinician through an endoscope monitor. In fact, a clinician may be able to observe the motion of the articulation driver 10260 through the endoscope monitor. The visible portion of the articulation driver 10260 comprises indicia, such as indicia 24640 a′ and 24640 b′, for example, thereon which correlates the movement of the articulation driver 10260 to the movement of the end effector 10400. In at least one instance, the indicia can comprise a first set of indicia which includes a distally-directed arrow 24640 a′ and a circular arrow indicating the direction that the end effector 10400 will be rotated if the articulation driver 10260 is moved distally. The indicia can also comprises a second set of indicia which includes a proximally-directed arrow 24640 b′ and a circular arrow in the opposite direction indicating the direction that the end effector 10400 will be rotated if the articulation driver 10260 is moved proximally. An alternative articulation driver 10260′ is illustrated in FIG. 28 that comprises a laterally-extending portion which can be readily visible to the clinician. In such instances, the above-discussed indicia is positioned on the laterally-extending portion.

A surgical instrument 19000 is illustrated in FIG. 19 . The surgical instrument 19000 is similar to the surgical instrument 15000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 19000 comprises a handle 19100 and a shaft 10200 extending from the handle 19100. The handle 19100 comprises an articulation actuator 19160 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 19000. As opposed to the articulation actuator 10160 which is arranged vertically, the articulation actuator 19160 is arranged horizontally. The articulation actuator 19160 comprises a slideable element 19162 which is slideable along an axis which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the shaft 10200. In at least one instance, the axis of the articulation actuator 19160 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 10200. The slideable element 19162 is positioned within a slot 19164 on the handle 19100 of the surgical instrument 19000. The slideable element 19162 is slideable distally to articulate the end effector 10400 to the right of the handle 19100 and proximally to articulate the end effector 10400 to the left of the handle 19100. This is true regardless of whether the end effector 10400 is rotated upwardly or downwardly owing to the control responsiveness flipping when the end effector 10400 is rotated past 90 degrees from its TDC position in either direction. That said, the controls of the articulation actuator 19160 can be reversed as outlined above.

The articulation actuator 19160 comprises a distal contact which is part of a first articulation control circuit and a proximal contact which is part of a second articulation control circuit. The slideable element 19162 engages the distal contact and closes the first articulation control circuit when the slideable element 19162 is in its distal position. The slideable element 19162 is not in contact with the proximal contact when the slideable element 19162 is in its distal position and, as such, the second articulation control circuit is open. Similarly, the slideable element 19162 engages the proximal contact and closes the second articulation control circuit when the slideable element 19162 is in its proximal position. Correspondingly, the slideable element 19162 is not in contact with the distal contact when the slideable element 19162 is in its proximal position and, as such, the first articulation control circuit is open. In any event, the articulation actuator 19160 comprises a detent 19163 in the middle of the range of motion of the slideable element 19162. The detent 19163 is configured to resist the motion of the slideable element 19162 as the slideable element 19162 moves from one side of the articulation actuator 19160 to the other. Such resistance to the motion of the slideable element 19162 can signal to the clinician that they will articulate the end effector 10400 in the opposite direction once they move the slideable element 19162 past that point. Moreover, such a detent 19163 provides a place to park the slideable element 19162 such that the end effector 10400 is not being articulated in either direction.

A surgical instrument 20000 is illustrated in FIG. 20 . The surgical instrument 20000 is similar to the surgical instrument 10000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 20000 comprises a handle 20100 and a shaft 12200 extending from the handle 20100. The handle 20100 comprises an articulation actuator 20160 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 20000. The articulation actuator 20160 comprises a two-dimensional joystick movable within a plane which is aligned with, parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12200. The joystick is movable distally to articulate the end effector 10400 to the right of the handle 20100 and proximally to articulate the end effector 10400 to the left of the handle 20100. In at least one instance, the joystick comprises a handle having an inner end that is positioned in a sensor seat in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 20000. The joystick is pivotable within the sensor seat by the clinician when the clinician manipulates the outer end of the joystick handle. Such movement of the joystick is detectable by the control system which operates the articulation system in response to the input from the sensor seat. The articulation actuator 20160 comprises one or more biasing mechanisms, such as springs, for example, configured to bias the joystick handle to a centered, or an at least substantially centered position, in the sensor seat in which the control system does not articulate the end effector 10400.

As discussed above, the end effector 10400 is articulatable within a plane. In alternative embodiments, a surgical instrument comprises a second articulation joint. In such embodiments, the end effector 10400 is rotatable within more than one plane. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprises an articulation joint which permits the end effector 10400 to be rotated within a three-dimensional spherical range of positions. Referring to FIG. 21 , a surgical instrument 21000 comprises a shaft 21200 including an articulation joint 21500 which allows such articulation motion of the end effector 10400. The surgical instrument 21000 further comprises a handle 21100 including an articulation actuator 21160 in communication with a control system of the surgical instrument 21000. The articulation actuator 21160 comprises a three-dimensional joystick movable proximally, distally, upwardly, downwardly, and in compound directions. The joystick is movable distally to articulate the end effector to the right of the handle 20100 and proximally to articulate the end effector to the left of the handle 21100. The joystick is movable upwardly to articulate the end effector upwardly and downwardly to articulate the end effector downwardly, for example. The joystick is also movable in a direction which is both upward and distal to move the end effector in a direction which is both upward and to the right, for example. The joystick is also movable in a direction which is both downward and proximal to move the end effector in a direction which is both downward and to the left, for example. In at least one instance, the joystick comprises a handle having an inner end that is positioned in a sensor seat in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 21000. The joystick is orbitable within the sensor seat by the clinician when the clinician manipulates the outer end of the handle. Such movement of the joystick is detectable by the control system which operates the articulation system in response to the input from the sensor seat. The articulation actuator 21160 comprises one or more biasing mechanisms, such as springs, for example configured to bias the joystick handle to a centered, or an at least substantially centered position, in the sensor seat in which the control system does not articulate the end effector 10400.

A surgical instrument 22000 is illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B. The surgical instrument 22000 is similar to the surgical instrument 21000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 22000 comprises a handle 22100 and a shaft 21200 extending from the handle 22100. The handle 22100 comprises the articulation actuator 21160 positioned on the side of the handle 22100 and, in addition, an articulation actuator 22160 positioned on the front of the handle 22100. Similar to the articulation actuator 21160, the articulation actuator 22160 comprises a three-dimensional joystick in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 21000 and is capable of articulating the end effector of the surgical instrument 21000 in a three-dimensional field. The front articulation actuator 22160 is readily accessible by the index finger of a clinician holding a pistol grip of the handle 22100. Alternative embodiments are envisioned which comprise the articulation actuator 22160, but not the articulation actuator 22160.

Referring to FIG. 23 , a surgical instrument 23000 comprises a shaft 21200 including an articulation joint 21500 which allows for three-dimensional articulation motion of the end effector 10400. The surgical instrument 23000 further comprises a handle 23100 including a housing 23120 and, in addition, an articulation actuator 23160 in communication with a control system of the surgical instrument 23000. The articulation actuator 23160 comprises a four-way tactile control movable proximally, distally, upwardly, downwardly, and in compound directions. The four-way tactile control is movable distally to articulate the end effector to the right of the handle 23100 and proximally to articulate the end effector to the left of the handle 23100. The four-way tactile control is movable upwardly to articulate the end effector upwardly and downwardly to articulate the end effector downwardly. The four-way tactile control is also movable in a compound direction that is both upward and distal to move the end effector in a direction that is both upward and to the right, for example. The four-way tactile control is also movable in a compound direction that is both downward and proximal to move the end effector in a direction that is both downward and to the left, for example. In at least one instance, the four-way tactile control comprises four depressable actuators—one for each direction of right, left, up, and down—and each of which is part of a control circuit in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 23000. The movement of the four-way tactile control is detectable by the control system which operates the articulation system in a three-dimensional range in response to the input from the articulation actuator 23160. The articulation actuator 23160 comprises one or more biasing mechanisms, such as springs, for example configured to bias the four-way tactile control to a centered, or an at least substantially centered position, in which the control system does not articulate the end effector 10400.

A surgical instrument 24000 is illustrated in FIG. 24 . The surgical instrument 24000 is similar to the surgical instrument 23000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 24000 comprises a handle 24100 including an articulation actuator 24160. Similar to the articulation actuator 23160, the articulation actuator 24160 comprises a four-way tactile control. That said, the articulation actuator 24160 comprises an integral re-centering feature. More specifically, the articulation actuator 24160 comprises a depressable actuator positioned in the middle of the articulation actuator 24160 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 24000. When the center actuator is depressed, the control system operates to re-align the end effector 10400 with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 10200, much like the actuation of the actuator 10170 discussed above. As a result of the above, the re-centering actuator is positioned in the middle of the four directional actuators making for a compact and intuitive arrangement.

A surgical instrument 25000 is illustrated in FIG. 25 . The surgical instrument 25000 is similar to the surgical instrument 24000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 25000 comprises a handle 25100 including an articulation actuator 25160. Similar to the articulation actuator 23160, the articulation actuator 25160 comprises a four-way control in communication with a control system of the surgical instrument 25000. That said, the four-way control comprises a capacitive surface which allows a clinician to tap and/or drag their finger across the surface of the articulation actuator 25160 to control the articulation of the end effector in a three-dimensional range. In at least one instance, the articulation actuator comprises a touchscreen and an array of capacitive sensors positioned under the touchscreen configured to detect the presence and/or motion of the clinician's finger, for example. In use, tapping the top of the capacitive surface articulates the end effector 10400 upwardly, tapping the bottom of the capacitive surface articulates the end effector 10400 downwardly, tapping the distal end of the capacitive surface articulates the end effector 10400 to the right, and tapping the proximal end of the capacitive surface articulates the end effector 10400 to the left, for example. Tapping the center of the articulation screen re-centers the end effector 10400 along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 21200. When a rotating motion is made on the surface of the articulation actuator 25160, the control system rotates the end effector 10400 in the direction and/or speed indicated by the rotating motion. In various instances, the control system of the surgical instrument 25000 comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit for controlling the speed of the electric motor used to drive the articulation system of the surgical instrument 25000. In at least one embodiment, the control system comprises a frequency modulation (FM) control circuit in addition to or in lieu of the PWM control circuit for controlling the speed of the articulation motor.

As discussed above, an end effector of a surgical instrument can be rotatable in more than one direction and/or plane. To achieve this, in various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprises a first motor-driven system for moving the end effector in a left-to-right manner and a second motor-driven system for moving the end effector in an up-to-down manner. Both motor-driven systems are in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument and are drivable sequentially and/or concurrently by the control system to position the end effector in the direction indicated by the input from the articulation actuator, or articulation actuators.

Many of the surgical instruments described above comprise a grip configured to be grasped by a clinician to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis. In various instances, the clinician can hold the grip with one hand and can extend their index finger, for example, from that hand to grab the grip and rotate the shaft. Such an arrangement, however, requires the clinician to have a somewhat larger hand. While such a surgical instrument can be operated with one hand, a surgical instrument 27000 is illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30 that may be easier to use. The surgical instrument 27000 comprises a handle 27100 and a shaft 27200 extending from the handle 27100 that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The handle 27100 comprises a handle frame 27110 and a housing that rotatably support the shaft 27200. The handle 27100 further comprises an actuator 27220 positioned on the front side of the handle housing 27110 which, when rotated by the clinician, rotates the shaft 27200 about its longitudinal axis L. The actuator 27220 is rotatably mounted to the handle housing 27110 and is rotatable about an axis A which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the shaft 27200. The actuator 27220 comprises a ring of gear teeth extending around its perimeter which is operably engaged with a ring of gear teeth extending around the perimeter of the shaft 27200 via a transmission gear 27225 such that, when the actuator 27220 is rotated about its axis, the shaft 27200 is rotated about its longitudinal axis. That said, the gear teeth of the actuator 27220 are not directly engaged with the gear teeth of the shaft 27200; instead, the intermediate gear 27225—which is rotatably mounted in the handle 27100—is directly engaged with the gear teeth of the actuator 27220 and the shaft 27200. Such an arrangement synchronizes the motion of the actuator 27220 and the shaft 27200, i.e., rotating the actuator 27220 to the right rotates the shaft 27200 to the right and rotating the actuator 27220 to the left rotates the shaft 27200 to the left. Absent the introduction of the intermediate gear 27225, the shaft 27200 would rotate in an opposite direction, but such an arrangement may provide a torque balance that promotes the stability of the instrument.

Further to the above, embodiments are envisioned in which the rotation of the shaft 27200 is driven by an electric motor. In various embodiments, the actuator 27220, when rotated in the first direction, operates the electric motor to rotate the shaft 27200 in the first direction. Similarly, the electric motor rotates the shaft 27200 in the second direction when the actuator 27220 is rotated in the second direction. In at least one embodiment, the output shaft of the electric motor comprises a pinion gear operably intermeshed with the ring of gear teeth around the shaft 27200. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the actuator 27220 comprises one or more sensors configured to detect the direction and degree of rotation of the actuator 27220 which are in communication with a control system of the surgical instrument. With this data, the control system is configured to control the direction and speed of the electric motor. In instances where the actuator 27220 is rotated a small amount in the first direction, for example, the shaft 27220 is rotated slowly in the first direction whereas the shaft 27220 is rotated quickly in the first direction when the actuator 27220 is rotated a larger amount in the first direction.

Further to the above, the actuator 27220 comprises a bar including a first end and a second end. The orientation of the bar is synchronized with the orientation of the shaft 27200. When the first end of the bar is directly above the second end, i.e., the first end is closest to the shaft 27200, the shaft 27200 is in its top-dead-center (TDC) position. Correspondingly, the shaft 27200 is in its bottom-dead-center (BDC) position when the second end of the bar is directly above the first end, i.e., the second end is closest to the shaft 27200. As a result of this arrangement, the user of the surgical instrument has an intuitive feel of the orientation of the shaft 27200 based on the orientation of the actuator 27220.

A surgical instrument 30000 is illustrated in FIGS. 51 and 52 . The surgical instrument is similar to the surgical instrument 10000 in many respects. As opposed to the vertical articulation actuator 10160, the handle of the surgical instrument 30000 comprises a horizontal articulation actuator 30160. The horizontal articulation actuator 30160 comprises a rocker switch which can be rocked distally to rotate the end effector to the right and rocked proximally to rotate the end effector to the left. A surgical instrument 31000 is illustrated in FIGS. 53 and 54 . The surgical instrument is similar to the surgical instrument 10000 in many respects. As opposed to the vertical articulation actuator 10160, the handle of the surgical instrument 31000 comprises an articulation actuator 31160. The articulation actuator 31160 comprises a multi-axis rocker switch that can be rocked proximal-to-distal to articulate the end effector in one plane and up-to-down to articulate the end effector in another plane. In various instances, the articulation planes are orthogonal to one another, but can be arranged in any suitable manner.

As discussed above, the control system of a surgical instrument can comprise an algorithm which, according to predetermined criteria, flips and/or otherwise re-orients the controls of the surgical instrument in certain instances. In various instances, as also discussed above, the algorithm can be configured to flip the articulation controls of the surgical instrument based on the rotation of the shaft relative to the handle. Referring to FIG. 59 , a surgical instrument comprises a handle comprising a Hall Effect sensor 33130, and/or any other suitable sensor, in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument and, in addition, a shaft 33200 including an array of magnets 33230 arranged in a circular, or annular, pattern around the shroud, or grip, 10220 of the shaft 33200. Each magnet 33230 comprises a north pole (N) and a south pole (S) and the magnets 33230 are arranged in the manner indicated in FIG. 59 —the N poles of some of the magnets 33230 are facing the handle while some S poles are facing toward the handle. When the shaft 33200 is rotated relative to the handle, this arrangement of the magnets 33230 allows the control system to track the position of the shaft 33200 and understand the orientation, or rotation, of the shaft 33200 relative to the handle. Within any three consecutive magnets 33230, for example, the pattern of magnets 33230 create a unique identifiable signature for a given rotation direction. That said, any suitable number and/or arrangement of discrete magnets could be used. Although twelve magnets 33230 are used, less than twelve magnets could be used—such as six magnets, for example. Moreover, more than twelve magnets could be used.

Referring to FIG. 60 , a surgical instrument comprises a handle comprising a Hall Effect sensor 34130, and/or any other suitable sensor, in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument and, in addition, a shaft 34200 including a continuous annular magnet 34230 attached to the shroud, or grip, 10220 of the shaft 34200. In various instances, the annular magnet 34230 comprises a disc or ring embedded with magnetic microstructures which is detectable by the Hall Effect sensor. The annular magnet 34230 comprises a continuous, but varying, magnetic pattern around the perimeter thereof which provides a trackable pattern for the control system to assess the orientation, or rotation, of the shaft 34200. In other embodiments, the annular magnet 34230 comprises an intermittent magnetic pattern around the perimeter thereof that is trackable by the control system.

Referring to FIG. 61 , a surgical instrument comprises a handle comprising a RFID reader 35130 in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument and, in addition, a shaft 35200 including a circular, or annular, array of RFID chips 35230 around the shroud, or grip, 10220 of the shaft 35200. Each RFID chip comprises a unique identification which is detectable by the RFID reader 35130 and, with this information, the control system is able to assess the orientation, or rotation, of the shaft 35200 relative to the handle. Notably, the RFID reader 35130 has a limited range to read the RFID chips 35230 and, thus, may be only able to read the most-adjacent RFID chip 35230. In some instances, the RFID reader 35130 can have sufficient range to read the two most-adjacent RFID chips 35230. The shaft 35200 comprises four RFID chips 35230, but can comprise any suitable number of RFID chips 35230. That said, the accuracy, or resolution, of the assessment made by the control system can be improved with more RFID chips in various instances.

Referring to FIG. 62 , a surgical instrument comprises a handle comprising a Hall Effect sensor 36130 a, and/or any other suitable sensor, in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument and, in addition, a shaft 36200 including an array of magnets 36230 a arranged in a circular, or annular, pattern around the shroud of the shaft 36200. The handle also comprises a RFID reader 36130 b in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument and, in addition, a circular, or annular, array of RFID chips 36230 b around the shroud of the shaft 36200. The control system is configured to use the data from the Hall Effect sensor 36130 a and the RFID reader 36130 b to assess the orientation of the shaft 36200 relative to the handle. Notably, the RFID chips 36230 b are positioned intermediate the magnets 36230 a which provides the control system with a detectable resolution between adjacent magnets 36230 a. Similarly, the magnets 36230 a are positioned intermediate the RFID chips 36230 b which provides the control system with a detectable resolution between the RFID chips 36230 b.

A surgical instrument 37000 is illustrated in FIGS. 63-66 . The surgical instrument 37000 comprises a handle 37100 and a shaft 37200 extending from the handle 37100. The surgical instrument 37000 further comprises a slip joint 37900 between the handle 37100 and the shaft 37200. The slip joint 37900 comprises an electrical interface between the handle 37100 and the shaft 37200. The slip joint 37900 comprises annular rings 37930 mounted in the shaft 37200. Four annular rings 37930 are depicted in FIGS. 63 and 64 , but a slip joint can comprise any suitable number of rings. The slip joint 37900 further comprises electrical contacts 37130 in the handle 37100. For instance, the slip joint 37900 comprises a first electrical contact 37130 engaged with a first annular ring 37930 and a second electrical contact 37130 engaged with a second annular ring 37930. That said, the slip joint 37900 can comprise any suitable number of electrical contacts to maintain power and/or signal communication between the handle and the shaft. Throughout the rotation of the shaft 37200, i.e., all 360 degrees, the electrical contacts 37130 remain in electrical contact with their respective annular rings 37930. In various instances, each electrical contact 37130 comprises a spring element configured to bias the electrical contact towards its respective annular ring 37930. The electrical contacts 37130 are in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 37000—via separate circuits—such that the control system can assess the resistance of the circuits, and/or any other electrical properties of the circuits between the control system and the slip joint 37900. That said, the electrical contacts and rings of the slip joint 37900 can be part of any suitable circuit arrangement.

Further to the above, the slip joint 37900 can be used as an absolute position sensor for the shaft 37200 relative to the handle 37100. More specifically, an intermediate annular ring 37930, i.e., the annular ring 37930 between the first ring 37930 and the second ring 37930, can be used by the control system to assess the orientation of the shaft 37200. To this end, the slip joint 37900 comprises an intermediate electrical contact 37130 in electrical communication with the intermediate annular ring 37930 and the control system as part of an intermediate electrical circuit. The intermediate annular ring 37930 is comprised of a high-resistance material, as compared to the first and second annular rings 37930, and provides a 10,000 Ohm resistance, for example. The intermediate annular ring 37930 has a first portion which is electrically coupled to the first annular ring 37930, a second annular portion which is electrically coupled to the second annular ring 37930, and a small break therebetween. When the shaft 37200 is rotated relative to the handle 37100, the intermediate electrical contact 37130 slides along the intermediate annular ring 37930 and the resistance and voltage of the intermediate electrical circuit changes in a manner which is detectable by the control system owing to the closing and opening of the break by the intermediate contact 37130. The signal from the intermediate electrical circuit is digitized by an analog-digital converter of the control system, the data from which is usable by the control system to assess the orientation of the shaft 37200. In various instances, any suitable number of gaps in the intermediate annular ring 37930 and/or intermediate contacts 37130 can be used to provide a signal with sufficient resolution to determine the orientation, or rotation, of the shaft 37200 relative to the handle 37100.

In various embodiments, a resistive material is embedded in the shaft of a surgical instrument which is part of an electrical circuit that passes through a slip ring. As the shaft rotates, the resistance in the electrical circuit changes—which is detectable by the control system of the surgical instrument to assess the angular orientation of the shaft relative to the handle.

A representation of a surgical instrument 38000 is illustrated in FIG. 67 . The surgical instrument 38000 comprises a handle 38100 and a shaft 38200 extending from the handle 38100. The handle 38100 comprises an annular array of Hall Effect sensors 38130 affixed to the frame and/or housing of the handle 38100. The Hall Effect sensors 38130 are positioned along a circumference in the handle 38100, as illustrated in FIG. 67 . The Hall Effect sensors 38130 are in communication with the control system via electrical circuits. The shaft 38200 comprises a magnet 38230 mounted to the shroud of the shaft 38200 which is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the circumference of the Hall Effect sensors 38130. When the shaft 38200 is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the magnet 38230 moves along the sensor circumference. The sensors 38130 are positioned and arranged such that one or more of the sensors 38130 can detect the position of the magnet 38230 and, thus, the control system can determine the orientation of the shaft 38200 relative to the handle 38100 based on which Hall Effect sensors 38130 have detected the magnetic distortion, and the distortion intensity, created by the magnet 38230.

In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can include one or more optical sensors configured to detect the orientation of the shaft relative to the handle. In at least one embodiment, the handle of the surgical instrument comprises a light emitter and a light detector which are in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument. The shaft comprises a reflective surface that rotates with the shaft. The light emitter emits light onto the reflective surface and the light is reflected back into the light detector. The reflective surface comprises different portions with different reflectivities which creates patterns in the light reflected back to the light detector. With this information, the control system can assess the orientation of the shaft relative to the handle. In various instances, the reflective surface comprises openings and solid areas to create a binary off-on, or low-high, reflection response signal, for example.

In various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprises an electromechanical transducer, such as a linear variable differential transformer, for example, used in connection with a mechanical cam to measure the depth of the cam and relate it to the rotation angle of the shaft. In various embodiments, the handle of a surgical instrument comprises a magnetometer in communication with the control system and, in addition, and the shaft comprises a magnet which is detectable by the magnetometer.

In various embodiments, the shaft of a surgical instrument comprises a gyroscope sensor in the shaft which is used by the control system to assess the orientation of the shaft relative to the handle. In at least one such embodiment, the handle also comprises a gyroscope sensor in communication with the control system such that the relative orientation of the handle and the shaft can be assessed. In various embodiments, the shaft of a surgical instrument comprises a tilt sensor which is used by the control system to assess the orientation of the shaft relative to the handle. In at least one embodiment, a SQ-MIN-200 sensor can be used. A SQ-MIN-200 sensor acts like a normally-closed sensor which chatters open and closed as it is tilted or vibrated. That said, any suitable omnidirectional sensor, for example, could be used.

In various embodiments, a detectable element can be positioned on the clamp drive or closure tube of the shaft. When the shaft is rotated, the closure tube rotates with the shaft. Thus, the one or more sensors of the handle can detect the orientation of the shaft relative to the handle via the detectable element on the shaft. When the closure tube is translated to close the end effector, as described herein, the detectable element moves relative to the one or more sensors. Such translation of the detectable element can also be used to verify the closure of the end effector. In at least one instance, a Hall Effect sensor can be used to detect the rotation and translation of the detectable element. In various instances, the control system of a surgical instrument is configured to prevent the end effector from being articulated while the end effector is closed. This arrangement provides the feedback to the control system to determine not only the responsiveness of the articulation controls, but whether or not the control system should be responsive to the input from the articulation controls at all.

In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 27 and 28 , the distal end of the articulation actuator 10260 of the surgical instrument 10000 is attached to the end effector 10400 such that the proximal and distal translation of the articulation actuator 10260 rotates the end effector 10400 about the articulation joint 10500. Referring to FIG. 32 , the shaft 10200 of the surgical instrument 10000 comprises a shaft frame 10210 which slideably supports the articulation actuator 10260. Although not illustrated in FIG. 32 , the shaft 10200 further comprises a pivot pin 10215 extending from the frame 10210. The pivot pin 10215 is closely received within a pivot aperture 10415 defined in the staple cartridge jaw 10410 of the end effector 10400 which defines an articulation axis AA of the articulation joint 10500. The articulation driver 10260 comprises a distal end including an aperture 10262 defined therein and the end effector 10400 further comprises an articulation pin 10460 extending from the proximal end of the staple cartridge jaw 10410 into the aperture 10262. When the articulation actuator 10260 is translated, as described above, the sidewalls of the aperture 10262 engage the articulation pin 10460 and either push or pull the articulation pin 10460—depending on the direction in which the articulation actuator 10260 is translated. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, which issued on Aug. 11, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS, which issued on Feb. 2, 2019, is incorporated by reference herein.

Further to the above, the end effector 10400 defines an end effector axis EA and the shaft 10200 defines a longitudinal shaft axis LSA. When the end effector 10400 is in an unarticulated position, the end effector axis EA is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the longitudinal shaft axis LSA. When the end effector 10400 is in an articulated position, as illustrated in FIG. 32 , the end effector axis EA is transverse to the longitudinal shaft axis LSA. The aperture 10262 is elongate in order to accommodate relative movement between the articulation pin 10460 and the articulation driver 10260; however, for large articulation angles, the articulation driver 10260 may bind and/or flex which can, without more, result in the articulation driver 10260 decoupling from the articulation pin 10460. With that in mind, the end effector 10400 further comprises a retention plate 10600 configured to hold the articulation driver 10260 in engagement with the articulation pin 10460. The retention plate 10600 comprises a planar, or an at least substantially planar portion, which extends over the distal end of the articulation driver 10260 and comprises an aperture 10660 defined therein, the sidewalls of which are engaged with the articulation pin 10460. As a result, the articulation driver 10260 is trapped between the staple cartridge jaw 10410 and the retention plate 10600 such that the articulation driver 10260 does not unintentionally disengage from the staple cartridge jaw 10410. The retention plate 10600 is fixedly mounted to the staple cartridge jaw 10410 such that there is little, if any, relative movement between the retention plate 10600 and the staple cartridge jaw 10410. The staple cartridge jaw 10410 comprises a retention lug 10430 and the retention plate 10600 comprises an aperture 10630 defined therein, the sidewalls of which are engaged with the retention lug 10430 to hold the retention plate 10600 to the staple cartridge jaw 10410. In various instances, the retention plate 10600 can comprise a spring and/or biasing member.

In addition to or in lieu of the retention plate 10600, referring now to FIG. 33 , a surgical instrument 10000′ comprises an end effector 10400′ and an articulation joint 10500′ rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft 10200′. Further to the above, the articulation joint 10500′ comprises a pin 10560′ extending from a shaft frame 10210′ of the shaft 10200′ that is closely received within an aperture defined in the staple cartridge jaw 10410′ which defines the articulation axis AA for the articulation joint 10500′. The surgical instrument 10000′ also comprises an articulation driver 10260′ which comprises a distal end 10264′ including a slot 10262′ defined therein. Similar to the above, the staple cartridge jaw 10410′ comprises an articulation pin 10460′ extending from the staple cartridge jaw 10410′ which extends into the slot 10262′ of the distal end 10264′ and the interaction between the sidewalls of the slot 10262′ and the articulation pin 10460′ drive the end effector 10400′ about the articulation joint 10500′. Notably, the pin 10560′ of the articulation joint 10500′ comprises a clearance relief 10564′ defined therein to provide clearance for the longitudinal movement of the articulation driver 10260′. The staple cartridge jaw 10410′ also comprises a clearance relief 10414′ defined therein to permit clearance for the rotation of the staple cartridge jaw 10410′ about the articulation joint 10500′. In order to prevent the articulation driver 10260′ from becoming decoupled from the staple cartridge jaw 10410′, referring to FIGS. 34-37 , the articulation pin 10460′ comprises a retention shoulder 10464′ extending from a cylindrical portion 10462′. The retention shoulder 10464′ extends over a portion of the distal end 10264′ of the articulation driver 10260′ throughout the articulation of the end effector 10400′. Thus, regardless of whether the end effector 10400′ is articulated all the way to the left (FIG. 35 ) or all the way to the right (FIG. 37 ), or anywhere in between, the retention shoulder 10464′ prevents, or at least limits the possibility of, the articulation driver 10260′ disengaging from the staple cartridge jaw 10410′.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the clearance relief 10414′ comprises a retention shoulder or lip which prevents the articulation driver 10260′ from decoupling from the articulation pin 10460′. The retention shoulder 10464′ of the articulation pin 10460′ is sized and configured such that the width of the retention shoulder 10464′ is wider than the width of the slot 10262′. That said, the slot 10262′ comprises a length which is larger than its width which permits the retention shoulder 10464′ to be interested through the slot 10262′ such that the articulation driver 10260′ can be assembled to the articulation pin 10460′. The width of the slot 10262′ is defined along an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft while the length of the slot 10262′ is defined along an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Such an arrangement permits the end effector to articulate relative to the shaft while minimizing binding between the end effector and the articulation driver 10260′. That said, the articulation driver 10260′ is comprised of a flexible material that permits the articulation driver 10260′ to resiliently flex to accommodate the end articulation of the end effector.

As discussed above, the end effector 10400 comprises a staple cartridge jaw 10410 configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 10430, for example, and an anvil jaw 10420 configured to deform the staples ejected from the staple cartridge 10430. The staple cartridge jaw 10410 comprises a channel including a bottom support and two lateral sidewalls extending upwardly configured to receive the staple cartridge 10430. The staple cartridge 10430 comprises a proximal end 10432, a distal end 10434, and a deck 10433 extending between the proximal end 10432 and the distal end 10434. When the staple cartridge 10430 is inserted into the staple cartridge jaw 10410, the proximal end 10432 is guided into position between the staple cartridge jaw 10410 and the anvil jaw 10420 and then seated into the staple cartridge jaw 10410. The anvil jaw 10420 comprises a proximal end 10422, a distal end 10424, a tissue compression surface 10423 extending between the proximal end 10422 and the distal end 10424, and a pivot 10421 rotatably connecting the anvil jaw 10420 to the staple cartridge jaw 10410. Referring to FIG. 44 , the anvil jaw 10420 comprises lateral pins that extend into apertures 10411 defined in the staple cartridge jaw 10410. As discussed above, the anvil jaw 10420 is rotatable into a closed, or clamped, position by the closure drive of the stapling instrument 10000. When the closure drive is retracted, the anvil jaw 10420 is opened. Referring to FIGS. 38-43 , the stapling instrument 10000 further comprises one or more biasing members, or springs, 10446 configured to open the anvil jaw 10420 when the closure drive is retracted. The surgical instrument 10000 comprises two opening springs 10446, but could comprise any suitable number of biasing members. In any event, each spring 10446 is positioned in a recess 10416 defined in the staple cartridge jaw 10410. The recesses 10416 closely receive the springs 10446 such that the springs 10446 do not buckle under a compressive load; however, the recesses 10416 are sized and configured to accommodate any lateral expansion of the springs 10446 as the anvil jaw 10420 is being closed.

Referring primarily to FIG. 42 , the anvil jaw 10420 comprises lateral tabs 10426 adjacent the proximal end 10422 of the anvil 10420 which are in contact with the springs 10446. When the anvil jaw 10420 is closed, the springs 10446 are compressed between the lateral tabs 10426 and the bottom of the recesses 10416. When the closure system is retracted, the springs 10446 resiliently re-expand and push upwardly on the lateral tabs 10426 to rotate the anvil jaw 10420 into its open, or unclamped, position. Notably, referring primarily to FIG. 40 , the staple cartridge jaw 10410 has a stop portion 10419 defined thereon which is contacted by the proximal end 10422 of the anvil 10420 when the anvil 10420 reaches its fully-open position. The anvil 10420 comprises a proximal stop surface 10429 which contacts the stop portion 10419 of the staple cartridge jaw 10410. In such instances, the anvil jaw 10420 cannot be opened any further. As a result of the above, the springs 10446 hold the anvil jaw 10420 against the stop portion 10419 of the staple cartridge jaw 10410 until the anvil jaw 10420 is closed once again.

When the anvil jaw 10420 is in its open position, the staple cartridge jaw 10410 is positioned on one side of the tissue that is to be stapled and the anvil jaw 10420 is positioned on the opposite side. In such instances, the end effector 10400 is moved relative to the tissue until the tissue is suitably positioned between the staple cartridge jaw 10410 and the anvil jaw 10420. The anvil jaw 10420 comprises lateral tissue stops 10427 which extend downwardly alongside the staple cartridge jaw 10410 which are configured to make sure that the tissue positioned within the end effector 10400 is positioned over the staple cavities in the staple cartridge 10430. Referring primarily to FIG. 39 , the tissue stops 10427 extend distally with respect to the proximal-most staple cavities 10440. In at least one instance, the tissue stops 10427 extend distally with respect to at least one staple cavity 10440 in each longitudinal row of staple cavities 10440. As a result, the tissue stops 10427 make sure that the tissue captured in the end effector 10400 is not cut by the tissue cutting knife without being stapled. When the anvil jaw 10420 is closed, the tissue stops 10427 move relative to the staple cartridge jaw 10410. The tissue stops 10427 are sized and configured such that tissue does not become accidentally pinched between the tissue stops 10427 and the lateral sides of the staple cartridge jaw 10410. More specifically, the bottom edges 10428 of the tissue stops 10427 are configured such that they extend alongside the lateral sides of the staple cartridge jaw 10410 even when the anvil jaw 10420 is in its fully-open position, as illustrated in FIG. 39 . Notably, the lateral sides 10415 of the staple cartridge jaw 10410 extend upwardly above the deck 10433 to make sure that there is overlap between the tissue stops 10427 and the lateral sides 10415 of the staple cartridge jaw 10410—when viewed from the side—throughout the entire range of motion of the anvil jaw 10420.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the distal edges of the tissue stops 10427 extend below the deck 10433 throughout the entire range of motion of the anvil jaw 10420. Thus, the distal edges of the tissue stops 10427 extend below the top surface of the deck 10433 when the anvil jaw 10420 is in its fully-open position and its fully-clamped position. Such an arrangement reduces the possibility of the tissue being pinched when the anvil jaw 10420 is moved. In certain embodiments, the staple cartridge comprises tissue stops that extend upwardly from the deck 10433 alongside the tissue stops 10427. Similar to the above, the distal edges of the tissue stops 10427 extend below the cartridge tissue stops through the entire range of motion of the anvil jaw 10420. Such an arrangement also reduces the possibility of the tissue being pinched when the anvil jaw 10420 is moved. Moreover, these arrangements would be useful in embodiments where the staple cartridge jaw 10410 moves relative to the anvil jaw 10420.

As discussed above and referring primarily to FIGS. 44, 45A, and 45B the end effector 10400 comprises a staple cartridge jaw 10410 that includes spring recesses 10416 defined therein which comprise wider top openings 10416′. The spring recesses 10416 still support the springs 10446 and keep them from buckling, but the wider top openings 10416′ of the spring recesses 10416 provide clearance for the lateral tabs 10426 when the anvil jaw 10420 is in its closed position. In such an arrangement, the lateral tabs 10426 can move into the staple cartridge jaw 10410 to compress the springs 10446. In such instances, the springs 10446 can be highly compressed by the anvil jaw 10420, thereby assuring a strong opening force from the springs 10446 when the anvil jaw 10420 is released by the closure drive. The above being said, embodiments are envisioned without the wider top openings 10416′. In such embodiments, the springs are closely received by the spring recesses 10416 along the length of the springs 10446.

The tissue cutting member 10251 of the firing drive of the stapling instrument 10000 is illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47 , the tissue cutting member comprises a body including a distal nose 10258 and a tissue cutting edge 10259 which pass through the end effector 10400 during a staple firing stroke. The tissue cutting member 10251 further comprises a top cam member 10255 configured to engage the anvil jaw 10420 and a bottom cam member 10256 configured to engage the staple cartridge jaw 10410 during the staple firing stroke. A longitudinal cam surface 10425 in a longitudinal slot of the anvil jaw 10420 can be seen in FIG. 46 which is engaged by the top cam member 10255 during the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge jaw 10410 also has a longitudinal cam surface 10419 which is engaged by the bottom cam member 10256. The cam members 10255 and 10256 position the jaws 10410 and 10420 relative to one another during the staple firing stroke and hold the jaws 10410 and 10420 in their closed configuration throughout the staple firing stroke. The cam members 10255 and 10256 also set the staple forming gap between the staple drivers in the staple cartridge and the forming pockets defined in the anvil jaw 10420.

Notably, FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate the anvil jaw 10420 in its open position and the tissue cutting member 10251 in its unfired position, i.e., its position before the staple firing stroke has begun. The anvil jaw 10420 comprises a clearance pocket 10450 defined therein which is aligned with the top cam member 10255 of the tissue cutting member 10251 when the tissue cutting member 10251 is in its unfired position. Such an arrangement allows the tissue cutting member 10251 to be parked just proximal to the longitudinal cam surface 10425 in the anvil jaw 10420, and the corresponding cam surface in the staple cartridge jaw 10410, when the tissue cutting member 10251 is in its unfired position. Such an arrangement provides for a shorter, and more maneuverable, end effector for a given staple line length. Moreover, the tissue cutting member 10251 comprises a tissue cutting edge 10259 that is positioned proximally with respect to the staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge and proximally with respect to the distal edges of the tissue stops when the tissue cutting member is in its unfired position. As a result, the tissue being inserted into the end effector is unlikely to be cut by the tissue cutting edge 10259 until the tissue cutting member 10251 is advanced distally from its unfired position during a firing stroke.

Further to the above, it is desirable for the tissue cutting member 10251 to be in its unfired position at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. If the tissue cutting member 10251 is not in its unfired position at the outset of the staple firing stroke, a missing cartridge/spent cartridge lockout of the stapling instrument 10000 may be accidentally bypassed. Referring to FIG. 41 , the lockout of the stapling instrument 10000 comprises a shoulder 10417 defined in the bottom of the staple cartridge jaw 10410. If a proper unspent staple cartridge is seated in the staple cartridge jaw 10410 at the outset of the staple firing stroke, and the tissue cutting member 10251 is in its unfired position at the outset of the staple firing stroke, the tissue cutting member 10251 will be lifted over the lockout shoulder 10417. More specifically, referring to FIG. 46 , the nose 10258 of the tissue cutting member 10251 will be supported by a staple driving sled in the staple cartridge such that lockout tabs 10257 of the firing member 10251, and/or any other portion of the firing member 10251, do not contact the lockout shoulder 10417. If, however, a staple cartridge is not seated in the staple cartridge jaw 10410, a staple cartridge is seated the staple cartridge jaw 10410 but has been previously spent, or an incorrect staple cartridge is seated in the staple cartridge jaw 10410, the sled will not support the nose 10258 of the tissue cutting member 10251 and the lockout tabs 10257 will contact the lockout shoulder 10417 at the outset of the staple firing stroke—thereby preventing the staple firing stroke. If the tissue cutting member 10251 is somehow positioned distally with respect to the lockout shoulder 10417 at the outset of the staple firing stroke, however, the advantages provided by the lockout of the surgical instrument 10000 are lost.

The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, which issued on Dec. 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, which issued on May 16, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, which issued on Jan. 24, 2006; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which issued on Dec. 27, 2005, are incorporated by reference herein.

The above being said, referring to FIG. 48 , the anvil jaw 10420 comprises shoulders, or stops, 10455 defined thereon which are configured to contact the top cam member 10255 of the tissue cutting member 10251 when the anvil jaw 10420 is moved into its open position. In such instances, the anvil jaw 10420 positions the tissue cutting member 10251 in its unfired position even if the tissue cutting member 10251 has been accidentally moved or positioned too far distally. Such an arrangement is particularly useful after the surgical instrument 10000 has already been used at least once and the staple firing system has been reset, or retracted as, in some instances, the tissue cutting member 10251 may not have been fully returned to its unfired position after the last staple firing stroke. As a result of the above, the possibility of the lockout of the surgical instrument 10000 being accidentally bypassed is reduced. Notably, the shoulders 10455 and the clearance pocket 10450 are positioned proximally with respect to the distal edges of the tissue stops 10427 which assures that the tissue cutting member 10251 is positioned proximally relative to the tissue captured within the end effector such that the tissue is not accidentally incised against the tissue cutting member 10251.

As discussed above, the articulation driver 10260 is translatable proximally and distally to articulate the end effector 10400 about the articulation joint 10500. That said, the articulation driver 10260 is actually a distal articulation driver of the articulation drive system. Referring to FIGS. 72 and 74-76 , the articulation drive system further comprises a translatable proximal articulation driver 10270 which moves the distal articulation driver 10260. The articulation drive system also comprises an articulation lock 10280 positioned intermediate the proximal articulation driver 10270 and the distal articulation driver 10260, as described in greater detail below. The proximal articulation driver 10270 comprises an articulation rod 10272, a proximal push projection 10274 extending from the articulation rod 10272, and a distal pull projection 10276 extending from the articulation rod 10272. When the proximal articulation driver 10270 is pushed distally, the proximal push projection 10274 contacts the articulation lock 10280, unlocks the articulation lock 10280, and drives the distal articulation driver 10260 distally to articulate the end effector 10400. When the proximal articulation driver 10270 is stopped, the articulation lock 10280 automatically re-locks and holds the end effector 10400 in position. When the proximal articulation driver 10270 is pulled proximally, the distal pull projection 10276 contacts the articulation lock 10280, unlocks the articulation lock 10280, and pulls the distal articulation driver 10260 proximally to articulate the end effector 10400. Similar to the above, the articulation lock 10280 automatically re-locks when the proximal articulation driver 10270 stops. When the articulation lock 10280 is locked, the end effector 10400 is prevented from being back-driven or unintentionally moved out of its position. When the articulation lock 10280 is unlocked, the end effector 10400 can be articulated into a new position.

Further to the above, referring to FIG. 72 , a space 10275 is defined between the projections 10274 and 10276 of the proximal articulation driver 10270. The distal articulation driver 10260 comprises a similar arrangement. More specifically, the distal articulation driver 10260 comprises a proximal projection 10269 and a distal projection 10267 with a space defined between them. The projections 10274 and 10276 of the proximal articulation driver 10270 are positioned within, and move within, this space defined between the projections 10267 and 10269 of the distal articulation driver 10260. The articulation lock 10280 comprises a stationary rod 10282 extending through the distal articulation driver 10260 and lock members 10284 rotatably and slideably mounted to the stationary rod 10282. The lock members 10284 are biased into a locked position by a spring 10286 positioned between two sets of lock members 10284 which causes the lock members 10284 to bite into the stationary rod 10282. When the proximal articulation rod 10270 is translated, however, the proximal articulation rod 10270 pushes on the lock members 10284 to rotate them out of their locked position so that the end effector 10400 can be articulated.

Further to the above, the projections 10274 and 10276 of the proximal articulation driver 10270 directly contact the lock members 10284. Referring to FIG. 74A, the projections 10274 and 10276 each comprises a projection, or bump, 10277 extending therefrom which engages the lock members 10284. The bumps 10277 provide a large pushing area for the proximal articulation driver 10270 to push against the lock members 10284. By way of comparison, a proximal articulation driver 10270′ is illustrated in FIGS. 73 and 73A which does not have the bumps 10277 on its projections 10274′ and 10276′. The arrangement of FIGS. 73 and 73A is still useful, but the contact area between the proximal articulation driver 10270′ and lock members 10284 is smaller than the contact area between the proximal articulation driver 10270 and the lock members 10284. As a result of the larger contact area with the lock members 10284, the stress and strain in the proximal articulation driver 10270 is smaller than that of the proximal articulation driver 10270′. Moreover, the arrangement of the bumps 10277 can increase the torque arm between the proximal articulation driver 10270 and the lock members 10284 thereby lowering the force needed to unlock the articulation lock 10280.

Described herein are various mechanisms and methods for determining the orientation of the shaft relative to the handle. Many of these mechanisms are able to evaluate the orientation of the shaft in real time and without regard to the previous orientation, or orientations, of the shaft. Such arrangements are particularly useful when the surgical instrument loses power, for example. When the surgical instrument re-powers, the control system can immediately assess the orientation of the shaft and the proper responsiveness of the articulation controls, for example. Moreover, the surgical instruments disclosed herein can be configured to immediately assess the articulation angle of the end effector when the surgical instrument is re-powered. Upon re-powering, the control system will evaluate whether the end effector is in a closed configuration or an open configuration. If the end effector is in a closed configuration upon re-powering, the control system will determine that the surgical instrument lost power during the staple firing mode and prompt the clinician to retract the staple firing system. If the end effector is in an open configuration upon re-powering, or once the end effector is in an open position upon re-powering, the control system will seek to make sure that the articulation drive system is coupled to the staple firing system such that the end effector can be straightened, or otherwise suitably oriented by the clinician, to remove the surgical instrument from the patient. FIG. 78 depicts an algorithm 39000 for the control system to assure that the articulation system is engaged with the staple firing drive. In this algorithm, the control system sweeps the staple firing drive between the positions associated with the furthest-right end effector position and its furthest-left end effector position such that, if the articulation drive was not already coupled to the firing drive, it would become so. These far-right and far-left orientations of the end effector correspond to the distal-most and proximal-most positions of the articulation driver 10260, as illustrated in FIG. 77 . These positions are also the distal-most and the proximal-most positions, respectively, of the articulation driver 10270. The control system comprises one or more non-volatile device memories for storing information regarding the distal-most (far-right orientation) and proximal-most (far-left orientation) positions of the articulation drive system. As such, this information is available to the control system upon re-powering and the control system can limit its assessment to this range. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can comprise a sensor configured to assess whether or not the articulation drive is mechanically coupled to the staple firing drive.

Further to the above, the algorithm 39000 comprises a step 39100 in which the control system assess whether or not an articulation button is depressed at the start-up, or initialization, of the surgical instrument. If it is determined at step 39100 that an articulation button is not depressed, the algorithm follows logic path 39200. In logic path 39200, the control system actuates the electric motor that drives the articulation system at step 39300 to push the articulation driver 10260 distally to articulate the end effector to the right. The control system then waits a predetermined amount of time at step 39400 before proceeding to step 39600 in which the control system actuates the motor in an opposite direction to pull the articulation driver 10260 proximally and articulate the end effector to the left. The control system then waits again for a predetermined amount of time at step 39700 and, after this time, waits for an input command at step 39800. In various embodiments, the control system comprises a timer circuit for counting the appropriate amount of time. If, on the other hand, the control system detects that the left articulation control is actuated at step 39100, the algorithm 39000 follows logic path 39500 and articulates the end effector to the left. If the control system detects that the right articulation control is actuated at step 39100, the algorithm 39000 follows a logic path that articulates the end effector to the right.

During a staple firing stroke, further to the above, the staples of a staple cartridge are progressively ejected by a firing member. The firing member ejects the proximal staples of the staple cartridge at the beginning of the staple firing stroke and the distal staples at the end of the staple firing stroke. In instances where all of the staples of a staple cartridge properly contact their staple forming pockets in the anvil positioned opposite to the staple cartridge, the staples will properly form and the staple firing force will be low. In instances where some of the staples miss their staple forming pockets, such staples may malform thereby increasing the force required to perform the staple firing stroke. Slowing the staple firing stroke may improve staple formation and lower the force required to perform the staple firing stroke. In various instances, detecting the force being applied by the staple firing system can be directly detected through one or more force sensors and/or strain gauges, for example. In other instances, detecting the force can be achieved by a current sensor or ammeter circuit, for example, which measures the current to the electric motor of the staple firing drive. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/361,793, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 22, 2019 is incorporated by reference herein. These approaches may be suitable in various instances, but described below are embodiments and methods which assess the duty cycle of the staple firing system during the staple firing stroke.

Further to the above, the control system of the surgical instrument 10000 comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit configured to control the speed of the firing drive electric motor. The PWM control circuit applies voltage pulses to the firing drive electric motor to perform the staple firing stroke. In various instances, the PWM control circuit increases the duration of the voltage pulses it applies to the firing drive electric motor in order to increase the speed of the firing drive electric motor and, correspondingly, the speed of the staple firing stroke. In other instances, the PWM control circuit decreases the duration of the voltage pulses it applies to the firing drive electric motor in order to decrease the speed of the firing drive electric motor and, correspondingly, the speed of the staple firing stroke. In either event, the PWM control circuit can make these pulse length adjustments without substantially increasing or decreasing the magnitude of the voltage pulses being applied to the motor. That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the magnitude of the voltage pulses, or certain voltage pulses, could be changed. In any event, as described in greater detail below, the control system is configured to drive the staple firing drive at a constant, or near constant, speed by adjusting the duration of the pulses via the PWM circuit. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,992, entitled DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPRESSION OF TISSUE, which issued on Aug. 6, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

The ratio of the time in which the voltage is applied to the electric motor (ON time) by the PWM circuit divided by the total time (ON time+OFF time) is the duty cycle of the staple firing drive motor. Thus, the duty cycle can range between 0% (completely OFF) and 100% (completely ON), i.e., a constant voltage without periodic interruptions. The terms ON and OFF suggest a non-zero voltage and a zero voltage; however, the terms ON and OFF are inclusive of HIGH and LOW voltages, respectively. The terms LOW or OFF include zero voltage and non-zero voltages that have a magnitude which is less than the HIGH or ON voltage. In view of the above, another way of expressing the duty cycle of the firing drive electric motor is the ratio of the time in which the voltage is applied to the electric motor (HIGH time) by the PWM circuit divided by the total time (HIGH time+LOW time).

The PWM control circuit applies the voltage pulses to the firing drive electric motor at regular intervals; however, the control system can comprise a frequency modulation (FM) control circuit to change the frequency of the voltage pulse intervals. In various instances, the FM control circuit decreases the interval between the voltage pulses to increase the speed of the firing drive electric motor and the staple firing stroke. Correspondingly, the FM control circuit increases the interval between the voltage pulses to decrease the speed of the firing drive electric motor and the staple firing stroke. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the control system can increase the magnitude of the voltage it applies to the firing drive electric motor to increase the speed of the firing drive electric motor and the staple firing stroke and/or decrease the magnitude of the voltage it applies to the firing drive electric motor to decrease the speed of the firing drive electric motor and the staple firing stroke.

The control system of the surgical instrument 10000 comprises an algorithm for controlling the speed of the staple firing member. Referring to FIG. 79 , the control system includes an algorithm 50000 configured to drive the staple firing member at a low speed, an intermediate speed, and a high speed. The low speed is 6 mm/s, or approximately 6 mm/s. The intermediate speed is 12 mm/s, or approximately 12 mm/s. The high speed is 20 mm/s, or approximately 20 mm/s. That said, a control system can be configured to operate the staple firing drive at any suitable number of speeds and/or at any suitable speed. The control system is configured to monitor the speed of the staple firing drive, via a motor speed sensor, and adjust the length of the voltage pulses applied to the electric motor of the staple firing drive to bring the speed of the staple firing drive to the target speed. For instance, if the target speed of the staple firing drive at a given point in the staple firing stroke is 12 mm/s and the actual speed is 11 mm/s, the control system increases the length of the voltage pulses it is applying to the electric motor to increase the speed of the staple firing drive. Stated another way, the control system increases the duty cycle of the firing drive electric motor to increase the speed of the staple firing drive. Correspondingly, the control system is configured to shorten the length of the voltage pulses it is applying to the firing drive electric motor if the speed of the staple firing drive exceeds the target speed until the speed of the staple firing drive reaches the target speed. Stated another way, the control system is configured to lower the duty cycle of the firing drive electric motor to decrease the speed of the staple firing drive. Notably, the target speed for the staple firing drive can change during the staple firing stroke, as described in greater detail below.

As discussed above, the firing member of the staple firing drive is moved distally during the staple firing stroke. Referring to FIGS. 47 and 79 , the firing member is advanced distally from its proximal, unfired position to move the top cam member 10255 of the firing member up the ramp of the internal slot 10425 defined in the anvil 10420. The distance between the proximal, unfired position and the distal end of the internal slot ramp is 15 mm, or approximately 15 mm, for example. This initial 15 mm motion of the firing member can be used to close the end effector and/or pass over the firing lockout described above if a proper unspent staple cartridge is seated in the end effector. That being said, during this range of motion, the control system moves the firing member distally at the intermediate speed of 12 mm/s and evaluates the duty cycle needed to drive the staple firing member at this speed. If the duty cycle is between 40% and 60% in this initial range, the control system continues to drive the staple firing drive at the intermediate speed of 12 mm/s. If the duty cycle is above 60%, the control system lowers the target speed of the staple firing drive to the low speed of 6 mm/s. Such instances can arise when thick tissue is present between the anvil 10420 and the staple cartridge 10430. On the other hand, if the duty cycle is below 40% during this initial range, the control system increases the target speed to the high speed of 20 mm/s. Such instances can arise when thin tissue is present between the anvil 10420 and the staple cartridge 10430. In FIG. 79 , the end of this initial range is demarcated by point A and, notably, staples are not deployed, or fired, during this initial range. After point A, the firing member fires the staples as the firing member is advanced distally until the firing member reaches the end of the staple firing stroke and/or the clinician stops the staple firing stroke by releasing the firing trigger.

Referring to the algorithm 50000 in FIG. 79 , it can be seen that the staple firing member was driven at the intermediate speed, 12 mm/s, for the first 15 mm and then at the high speed, 20 mm/s, for the rest of the staple firing stroke. As described above, this shift in speed occurred because the control system measured that the duty cycle was below 40% during the first 15 mm of the staple firing stroke. Had the firing member been blocked by the lockout in the first 15 mm, however, the duty cycle would have spiked immediately to 100% and the control system is configured to immediately stop the staple firing stroke in response to such asymptotic duty cycle spikes. Once the firing member has passed this initial 15 mm distance, in various instances, the remainder of the staple firing stroke comprises approximately 30 mm, approximately 45 mm, or approximately 60 mm, for example. These lengths represent the different staple pattern lengths that are currently desirable in many staple cartridges, but any suitable staple pattern lengths could be used. In some embodiments, the control system does not re-evaluate the duty cycle of the staple firing drive to adjust the target speed of the firing member after an initial evaluation of the firing drive duty cycle. The control system of embodiment of FIG. 79 , however, continues to evaluate the duty cycle of the staple firing drive throughout the staple firing stroke. At point C in the staple firing stroke, the control system makes another adjustment to the target speed or maintains the target speed according to the criteria set forth above. As depicted in FIG. 79 , the duty cycle of the staple firing drive was determined to be between 40% and 60% at point C and, thus, the control system maintained the target speed of 20 mm/s. Point C is half way between point A and the end of the staple firing stroke, i.e., half way into the staple pattern. That said, point C can be at any suitable location. Moreover, the control system can be configured to adjust the target speed of the staple firing drive at any suitable number of points during the staple firing stroke. In at least one instance, the control system can make a target speed adjustment at every 15 mm during the staple firing stroke, for example. For a 30 mm staple cartridge, the control system could make a total of two target speed adjustments, as illustrated in FIG. 79 . For a 45 mm staple cartridge, the control system could make a total of three target speed adjustments at 15 mm intervals and, for a 60 mm staple cartridge, the control system could make a total of four target speed adjustments at 15 mm intervals, for example.

For the examples given above, the control system used the same set of criteria for evaluating the duty cycle at every target speed adjustment point. That said, referring to FIG. 80 , embodiments are envisioned in which the control system uses different sets of duty cycle criteria at different target speed adjustment points. For instance, the control system can use a first set of duty cycle criteria at the first target speed adjustment point and a second set of duty cycle criteria at the second target speed adjustment point. In at least one instance, referring to the algorithm 51000 in FIG. 80 , the control system increases the target speed of the staple firing drive if the duty cycle is below 45% at the first target speed adjustment point. That said, the control system increases the target speed of the staple firing drive at the second target speed adjustment point if the duty cycle is below 40%. Any suitable threshold, or thresholds, could be used. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 80 , the upper duty cycle threshold of 60% is the same at both the first and second target speed adjustment points in the algorithm 51000. If the duty cycle is in excess of 60%, the control system shortens the voltage pulses to slow the staple firing system. In other embodiments, the upper duty cycle threshold can be different at the first and second target speed adjustment points.

Further to the above, referring to FIG. 81 , the algorithm of the control system increased the target speed at point A from the intermediate speed to the high speed but then lowered the target speed at point C from the high speed to the intermediate speed. At point C, the control system determined that the duty cycle of the firing drive electric motor was above 60% and lowered the target speed one level, i.e., from the high speed to the intermediate speed. Notably, the control system did not lower the target speed from the high speed to the low speed at point C as the control system is configured to only raise or lower the target speed one level at each check point. In order for the target speed of the staple firing drive to be lowered from the high speed to the low speed, the duty cycle would have to exceed the upper duty cycle threshold at two checkpoints. These checkpoints can be consecutive checkpoints, or non-consecutive checkpoints. That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the control system comprises a safety duty cycle threshold that, if exceeded, would cause the control system to drop the target speed of the staple firing drive to the low speed regardless of the speed of the staple firing drive prior to that checkpoint.

FIG. 82A depicts two graphs—a duty cycle graph (i) and a firing force graph (ii) of the staple firing drive. The duty cycle graph (i) and the firing force graph (ii) are correlated to demonstrate three different staple firing strokes. Two of the staple firing strokes in FIG. 82A stay below the 40% duty cycle threshold as the firing force is low. In such staple firing strokes, the control system increases the target speed of the staple firing system at each check point according to the current algorithm, although other algorithms are possible. One of the staple firing strokes in FIG. 82A reaches a 100% duty cycle because the firing force is high. When the duty cycle is in excess of 60% at a target speed adjustment point, the control system decreases the target speed of the staple firing system according to the current algorithm, although other algorithms are possible. Notably, the duty cycle of this staple firing isn't above the 60% threshold at the beginning of the staple firing stroke and, as a result, the control system may not actually lower the target speed if the duty cycle didn't exceed the upper threshold of 60% until after the check point, or check points.

FIG. 82B depicts two graphs—a duty cycle graph (i) and a firing force graph (ii) of the staple firing drive. The duty cycle graph (i) and the firing force graph (ii) are correlated to demonstrate three different staple firing strokes. Two of the staple firing strokes in FIG. 82B stay between the 40% duty cycle threshold and the 60% duty cycle threshold as the firing force is relatively low. In such staple firing strokes, the control system does not change the target speed of the staple firing system according to the current algorithm, although other algorithms are possible. One of the staple firing strokes in FIG. 82B reaches a 100% duty cycle, however, because the firing force is high. When the duty cycle is in excess of 60% at a target speed adjustment point, the control system decreases the target speed of the staple firing system according to the current algorithm, although other algorithms are possible. In this instance, the duty cycle exceeded the upper duty cycle threshold at about 20 mm distal to the proximal, unfired starting position of the staple firing member. Stated another way, the duty cycle jumped above 60% as soon as the staple firing drive started to fire the staples, i.e., at 5 mm past the 15 mm initial range discussed above. As a result, the control system may not react to the elevated duty cycle until after a 30 mm checkpoint, for example.

Notably, further to the above, the graphs of FIGS. 82A and 82B, and several other graphs, depict a stream of dots along the staple firing stroke. These dots represent the data samples taken by the control system. The closeness of the dots represents a fairly high data sample rate, although lower or higher data sample rates could be used. As can be seen in these figures, the data is subject to a certain amount of jitter or chatter which can cause the control system to react to outlying data, especially when the duty cycle data is near the upper or lower duty cycle thresholds. In various instances, the control system can utilize a data smoothing algorithm which uses averages, and/or other statistical evaluations, of the data over a number of collected data points to determine the duty cycle at the target speed evaluation points. In at least one such instance, the control system uses the average of three consecutive duty cycle measurements, for example, to determine the duty cycle value used for assessing the algorithm criteria.

FIG. 83A depicts three graphs—a duty cycle graph (i), a firing force graph (ii), and a firing speed graph (iii) of the staple firing drive. The duty cycle graph (i), the firing force graph (ii), and the firing speed graph (iii) are correlated to demonstrate a staple firing stroke. The duty cycle of the staple firing stroke jumps from below the lower duty cycle threshold of 40% to above the upper duty cycle threshold of 60% at about the 30 mm mark, which is about 15 mm into deforming the staples. This jump in duty cycle was not because the firing force increased; rather the jump in duty cycle occurred because the control system increased the duty cycle to increase the speed of the staple firing drive in accordance with its target speed selection criteria. FIG. 83B depicts a similar jump in the duty cycle at about 20 mm; however, this jump in duty cycle occurred because the staple firing member encountered an elevated resistance while deforming the staples and the control system responded by increasing the length of the voltage pulses it was applying to the electric motor in order to maintain the staple firing speed at its target speed. Stated another way, the control system spiked the duty cycle because the control system was struggling to maintain the intermediate speed, i.e., 12 mm/s, of the staple firing system. This situation did not last long as the control system re-lowered the duty cycle at the 30 mm target speed check point while lowering the speed of the staple firing stroke to its low, i.e., 6 mm/s, target speed.

FIGS. 84A and 84B depict graphs which demonstrate that the firing force of the staple firing drive for stapling and cutting actual tissue tracks that of the firing force for stapling and cutting a tissue analogue, such as foam, for example.

FIGS. 85A and 85B depict several staple firing stroke examples that occurred when stapling and cutting stomach tissue. The staple firing strokes followed a very similar duty cycle pattern. For instance, all of the staple firing strokes started below the lower duty cycle threshold and, in response, the control system increased the speed of the staple firing stroke from the intermediate speed to the high speed. To do so, the control system increased the duration of the voltage pulses being applied to the electric motor of the staple drive system at a first check point. In doing so, however, the duty cycle jumped above the upper duty cycle threshold and, at the next check point, the control system shortened the voltage pulses to lower the duty cycle and slow the staple firing stroke back to its intermediate speed. Notably, in one example, the speed of the staple firing drive was maintained at the high speed. In this example, the staples being deformed were smaller as compared to the staples used during the other staple firing strokes and they duty cycle stayed just under the threshold.

FIG. 86A depicts the duty cycle of two staple firing strokes while stapling thin jejunum tissue—one that occurred when the end effector was articulated and one that occurred when the end effector was not articulated. As can be seen in FIG. 86A, the two duty cycle curves are very similar and are, notably, between about 60% and about 80% of the duty cycle. FIG. 86B depicts the duty cycle of two staple firing strokes while stapling thick jejunum tissue—one that occurred when the end effector was articulated and one that occurred when the end effector was not articulated. As can be seen in FIG. 86B, the two duty cycle curves are very similar and are, notably, between about 60% and about 80% of the duty cycle. Also, notably, the duty cycle is somewhat higher for the thick jejunum tissue (FIG. 86B) as compared to the thin jejunum tissue (FIG. 86A). FIG. 86C depicts the duty cycle of two staple firing strokes while stapling stomach tissue—one that occurred when the end effector was articulated and one that occurred when the end effector was not articulated. As can be seen in FIG. 86C, the two duty cycle curves are very similar and, notably, reach the maximum duty cycle once the staple firing drive starts deforming staples at about 15 mm from the proximal, unfired position of the firing member.

FIG. 87 comprises a graph 63000 depicting the duty cycle of a staple firing stroke. As illustrated in the graph 63000, the duty cycle is just at or just below 40% for the first 30 mm of the staple firing stroke (15 mm of the initial travel and 15 mm of staple firing) and is then raised by the control system to increase the speed of the staple firing drive. Similar to the above, increasing the duty cycle in this instance overshot the duty cycle above the top duty cycle threshold of 60% where it remained for the rest of the staple firing stroke, i.e., the last 30 mm.

FIG. 88 comprises a graph 64000 depicting the duty cycle of a staple firing stroke. As illustrated in the graph 64000, the duty cycle begins below the 40% duty cycle threshold but then gradually increases into the zone between the upper and lower duty cycle thresholds. In such a zone, the control system does not increase or decrease the speed of the staple firing system and/or otherwise adjust the duty cycle of the firing drive electric motor other than to maintain the speed of the staple firing system at the intermediate target speed. As such, a smooth duty cycle curve is seen without abrupt changes.

FIG. 89 comprises a graph 65000 depicting the duty cycle of a staple firing stroke. As illustrated in the graph 65000, the duty cycle begins at about the 40% lower duty cycle threshold and then proceeds upwardly quickly once the firing member starts deforming staples at the 15 mm point. In fact, the duty cycle increases to almost 100% until the next check point is reached at 30 mm where, as described above, the control system lowered the duty cycle to slow the staple firing drive. FIG. 89 depicts a drastic drop in the duty cycle at this point but returns to an elevated state just above the upper duty cycle threshold for the remainder of the staple firing stroke.

The lower duty cycle threshold is described as being 40% in many instances, and 45% in other instances. That said, the lower duty cycle threshold can be any suitable value, such as 30%, 33%, 35%, or 50%, for example. Similarly, the upper duty cycle threshold is described as being 60%. That said, the upper duty cycle threshold can be any suitable value, such as 50%, 55%, 65%, 67%, 70%, or 75%, for example.

As mentioned above, the staple firing stroke stops when the clinician releases the firing trigger. When the clinician actuates the firing trigger once again, the staple firing stroke resumes. In such instances, the control system returns the speed of the staple firing stroke to the speed just before the staple firing stroke was stopped. The control system comprises one or more memory devices for storing the speed of the staple firing stroke during the staple firing stroke such that the control system can access the stored speed to re-start the staple firing stroke. If the control system does not have access to this data, the control system can re-start the staple firing stroke in its intermediate speed, for example.

As described herein, the surgical instrument 10000 is configured to evaluate the speed of the staple firing stroke and compare the measured speed of the staple firing stroke to a target speed. The surgical instrument 10000 comprises an encoder in communication with the control system which is configured to measure the speed of the staple firing stroke. In at least one instance, a gear in the staple firing drive is observed by the encoder to evaluate the speed of the staple firing stroke. The gear comprises teeth which pass in front of the encoder as the gear is rotated during the staple firing stroke. The rate in which the teeth pass the encoder is used by the control system to assess the speed of the staple firing drive. In at least one instance, the gear makes one full rotation during the entire staple firing stroke. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the gear is comprised of metal and the control system comprises a Hall Effect sensor configured to sense the rate in which the metal gear teeth pass by the Hall Effect sensor. In various embodiments, the control system is configured to evaluate the speed of a translating component of the staple firing drive.

As described herein, an algorithm of a control system uses the duty cycle of the firing drive electric motor to assess whether the speed of the staple firing drive should be adapted, and in which direction, i.e., slower or faster. Various other algorithms use data in addition to the duty cycle of the firing drive electric motor to adapt the speed of the staple firing stroke. For instance, a speed adaptation algorithm can utilize the articulation angle of the end effector, the initial battery voltage, the operative battery voltage, the current through the motor, PID error, and/or any characterization of the PWM circuit made during the manufacturing process of the surgical instrument, for example. These parameters, among others, can be used in a mathematical operation, or evaluation equation, to determine whether or not to adapt the speed of the staple firing stroke, the direction in which the speed is to be adapted, and/or the amount of the adaptation. The parameters used can be instantaneous measurements and/or measurements averaged over several readings. The parameters used can include the rate of change, or change in slope, of the measurements. The values of the parameters can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and/or divided according to the evaluation equation.

FIGS. 68-71 depict an end effector 40000 comprising an anvil jaw 40420 and a cartridge jaw 10410. The anvil jaw 40420 comprises a proximal portion 40100 and a distal portion, or tip, 40200 attached to the proximal portion 40100. The distal portion 40200 is rotatable between a first operational orientation (FIG. 68 ) and a second operational orientation (FIG. 70 and FIG. 71 ) to provide a clinician with the ability to choose between a straight anvil tip and an angled anvil tip before using the end effector 40000.

The proximal portion 40100 comprises an angled distal end that can be characterized by a first angle 40120 and a second angle 40130. The first angle 40120 is measured with reference to a top plane defined by the top of the proximal portion 40100 while the second angle 40130 is measured with reference to a bottom plane defined by the bottom of the proximal portion 40100. In various instances, the first angle 40120 and the second angle 40130 are supplementary angles. In at least one instance, the first angle 40120 and the second angle 40130 are substantially supplementary. The distal portion 40200 comprises an angled proximal end which is attached to the distal end of the proximal portion 40100. The angled proximal end of the distal portion 40200 can be characterized by a first angle 40220 and a second angle 40230. In various instances, the first angle 40220 and the second angle 40230 are supplementary angles. In at least one instance, the first angle 40220 and the second angle 40230 are substantially supplementary. In various instances, the first angle 40120 and the first angle 40220 are supplementary angles and the second angle 40130 and the second angle 40230 are supplementary angles. This configuration permits the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200 of the anvil jaw 40420 to have a complimentary, angled attachment plane where a distal face 40110 of the proximal portion 40100 and a proximal face 40210 of the distal portion 40200 abut each other in both the first orientation and the second orientation.

Utilizing an attachment mechanism, referring to FIGS. 69 and 69A, the distal portion 40200 is rotatable relative to the proximal portion 40100 such that the distal portion 40200 can be rotated into different orientations. To move the distal portion 40200 into the second orientation shown in FIG. 70 , the distal portion 40200 is rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation show in FIG. 68 . This configuration allows a user to change the anvil jaw 40420 between a straight-tipped anvil jaw and an angle-tipped anvil jaw. In the second orientation shown in FIGS. 70 and 71 , the first angle 40120 and the second angle 40230 abut each other and, correspondingly, the first angle 40220 and the second angle 40130 abut each other. The angles at the attachment interface in the second orientation (FIG. 70 ) are not supplementary as they were in the first orientation (FIG. 68 ).

The attachment mechanism used can be any suitable attachment mechanism. In at least one instance, referring to FIG. 69A, the attachment mechanism comprises a flexible rotatable pin 40300 anchored to the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200. Such a mechanism allows rotation of the rotatable portion between different orientations while keeping the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200 attached to each other. One or more spring members and/or detents may be used in conjunction with the pin to hold the portions in either the first operational orientation or the second operational orientation. The attachment mechanism may be embedded in either the proximal portion 40100 and/or the distal portion 40200. The attachment mechanism may comprise a bi-stable compliance mechanism configured to bias the portion 40200 into either orientation to prevent the inadvertent partial rotation of the rotatable distal portion 40200. The attachment mechanism may comprise spring-loaded detents, a living hinge, sliding members, and/or various other locking members. The attachment mechanisms may also comprise interference and/or friction-fit interfaces between the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200.

Further to the above, and referring again to FIG. 69A, the flexible pin 40300 comprises a spherical first end 40310 mounted in a chamber defined in the proximal anvil portion 40100, a spherical second end 40320 mounted in a chamber defined in the distal anvil portion 40200, and a flexible connector 40330 connecting the first end 40310 and the second end 40320. The spherical first end 40310 and the spherical second end 40320 can rotate within their respective chambers such that the flexible pin 40300 can rotate relative to the proximal portion 40100 and/or such that the distal portion 40200 can rotate relative to the flexible pin 40300. In either event, such relative rotation permits the rotation of the distal portion 40200 as described above. The length of the flexible connector 40330 is selected such that the flexible connector 40300 is in a resiliently stretched state for every orientation of the distal portion 40200. As a result, the flexible connector 40330 acts to pull the distal portion 40200 against the first anvil portion 40100. Given that the proximal portion 40100 includes the staple forming pockets and the distal portion 40200 does not comprise staple forming pockets, the retention force provided by the pin 40300 does not need to withstand staple forming forces and is sufficient to hold the distal portion 40200 in place while the end effector 40000 is being positioned in the patient. The pin can be spring loaded in the socket such that the spring pulls the head proximally in the chamber thus holding the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200 together. To rotate the distal portion 40200 between orientations, the distal portion 40200 can be pulled distally to overcome the biasing force, twisted into another orientation, and released so that the spring may pull the distal portion 40200 against the proximal portion 40100. The interface between the distal portion 40200 and the proximal portion may further comprise interlocking features extending therefrom to prevent inadvertent movement relative to each other. For example, teeth may extend from one portion and into corresponding slots defined in the other portion when the distal portion 40200 is in its first and second orientations, but not when the distal portion 40200 is pulled away from the proximal portion 40100.

In at least one instance, the distal portion 40200 comprises two halves, for example, which are assembled around the attachment mechanism. The two halves may utilize an elastomer to hold the halves together around the pin, for example. In at least one instance, a snap-fit mechanism can be used to assemble the two halves together around the attachment mechanism.

In various instances, the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200 are comprised of one or more materials. For example, the proximal portion 40100 may be comprised of one or more materials and the distal portion 40200 may be comprised of one or more materials. In at least one instance, the distal portion 40200 is comprised of metal toward the attachment interface and is comprised of an over-molded soft tip extending distally from the metal portion. The soft tip may be comprised of rubber and/or plastic, for example. The anvil jaw 40410 may further comprise an intermediate component positioned between the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200. The intermediate component can house one or more parts of the attachment mechanism. The intermediate component may also provide an atheistically pleasing and/or functional transition piece between the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200 which may be useful in a scenario where the proximal portion 40100 and the distal portion 40200 comprise more than one material.

In at least one instance, the first portion 40100 and the second portion 40200 comprise edges designed to eliminate any sharp edges presented by rotation of the second portion 40200 relative to the first portion 40100.

As discussed above, the surgical instruments disclosed herein may comprise control systems. Each of the control systems can comprise a circuit board having one or more processors and/or memory devices. Among other things, the control systems are configured to store sensor data, for example. They are also configured to store data which identifies the type of staple cartridge attached to a stapling instrument, for example. More specifically, the type of staple cartridge can be identified when attached to the stapling instrument by the sensors and the sensor data can be stored in the control system. This information can be obtained by the control system to assess whether or not the staple cartridge is suitable for use.

A surgical instrument 110000 is illustrated in FIG. 90 . The surgical instrument 110000 comprises a handle 110100, a shaft 110200 extending from the handle 110100, and an end effector 110400 rotatably connected to the shaft 110200 about an articulation joint 110500. The surgical instrument 110000 is similar to the other surgical instruments disclosed herein and such similarities are not discussed herein for the sake of brevity. The shaft 110200 is fixedly attached to the handle 110100. Referring to FIGS. 91-93 , the handle 110100 comprises a handle frame 110110 and the shaft 110200 comprises a shaft frame 110210. The handle frame 110110 comprises a distal portion 110115 which extends over and nests with a proximal portion 110215 of the shaft frame 110210. The shaft frame 110210 comprises alignment projections 110216 extending therefrom which are closely received within apertures defined in the handle frame 110110. Each of the projections 110216 comprises an aperture 110217 defined therethrough which is configured to receive a self-tapping screw 110116, for example. The self-tapping screws are configured to gain purchase into the handle frame 110115 and fixedly secure the shaft 110200 to the handle 110100. In various instances, referring again to FIG. 90 , a force can be applied to the end effector 110400 to dislodge a staple cartridge positioned therein without creating relative movement between the shaft 110200 and the handle 110100.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 110100 comprises an articulation drive which is actuatable to articulate the end effector 110400 about an articulation axis AA, a closure drive including a closure actuator 10140, described above, which is actuatable to move a jaw 110420 of the end effector 110400 toward a jaw 110410, and a staple firing drive which is actuatable to fire the staples from the staple cartridge seated in the end effector 110400 during a staple firing stroke. The staple firing drive comprises an electric motor configured to advance a firing member distally through the staple firing stroke and retract the firing member proximally back into its unfired position. Similar to other embodiments described herein, the articulation drive is selectively engageable with the staple firing drive. An articulation member of the articulation drive is driveable by the staple firing drive when the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive and, correspondingly, the articulation drive is not driveable by the staple firing drive when the articulation drive is not engaged with the staple firing drive. As described further below, the closure drive decouples the articulation drive from the staple firing drive when the closure drive is sufficiently actuated.

Referring to FIGS. 94-96 , the handle 110100 comprises an articulation actuator 110160 which is actuatable to articulate the end effector 110400. The articulation actuator 110160 comprises a rocker switch, for example, including a rocker body 110163 which is rotatably mounted to a circuit board 110190 about a pivot 110162. The articulation actuator 110160 further comprises a first contact 110168 mounted to the circuit board 110190 which is moved from an open state to a closed state when a first end 110164 of the rocker body 110163 is depressed. When the first end 110164 is released, a biasing member in the first contact 110168 returns the first contact back into its open state. The articulation actuator 110160 also comprises a second contact 110169 mounted to the circuit board 110190 which is moved from an open state to a closed state when a second end 110165 of the rocker body 110163 is depressed. When the second end 110165 is released, a biasing member in the second contact 110169 returns the second contact back into its open state. The first contact 110168 and the second contact 110169 are in communication with a control system of the surgical instrument 110000. When the control system detects that the first contact 110168 has been closed, the control system operates the electric motor of the staple firing system to articulate the end effector 110400 in a first direction. Correspondingly, the control system operates the electric motor of the staple firing system to articulate the end effector 110400 in a second direction when the control system detects that the second contact 110169 has been closed.

Further to the above, the rocker body 110163 comprises a first stand-off 110166 that contacts the circuit board 110190 when the rocker body 110163 is depressed in the first direction and limits the travel of the rocker body 110163. Similarly, the rocker body 110163 comprises a second stand-off 110167 that contacts the circuit board 110190 when the rocker body 110163 is depressed in the second direction and limits the travel of the rocker body 110163. Such an arrangement prevents or reduces the possibility of the articulation actuator 110160 from being damaged. Such an arrangement can also be adapted to other actuators on the handle 110100, such as an actuator 110170, for example. The actuator 110170 comprises a switch in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 110100 which, when closed, causes the control system to automatically re-center the end effector 110400 along a longitudinal axis LA (FIG. 90 ) of the shaft 110200.

Further to the above, the shaft 110200 and the end effector 110400 are rotatable relative to the handle 110100 about the longitudinal axis LA. In use, a clinician can grasp a nozzle-shaped portion, or nozzle, 110220 of the shaft 110200 to rotate the shaft 110200 about the longitudinal axis. Similar to the above, referring to FIGS. 97-100 , a surgical instrument can comprise a handle 111100 and a shaft 111200 rotatable relative to the handle 111100 about a longitudinal axis LA where the rotation of the shaft 111200 relative to the handle 111100 can be sensed by a sensor, or switch, 111230. The switch 111230 is mounted to a circuit board 111190 and, similar to the above, the switch 111230 is switched between a first, or open, state and a second, or closed, state when a cam 111225 of the nozzle 111220 comes into contact with the switch 111230. As a result, the rotation of the shaft 111200 is divided into two ranges—a first range of orientations in which the switch 111230 is in the first state and a second range of orientations in which the switch 111230 is in the second state. The switch 111230 is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 111000 and, depending on the input provided by the switch 111230, the control system controls the articulation of the end effector in a first response state and a second response state. In the second response state, the response of the articulation drive to the actuation of the articulation actuator 110160 is reversed, or flipped, as compared to the first response state. As described above, such an arrangement provides a more intuitive operation of the surgical instrument 111000 when the shaft 111200 is in a flipped, or upside-down, orientation. See the control system 111900 of FIG. 100 , for example. This control system can be used in connection with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, such as the surgical instrument 110000, for example.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the control system of the surgical instrument 110000 becomes unresponsive to the articulation actuators 110160 and 110170 when the closure trigger 10140 is initially actuated to close the end effector 110400. Moreover, in such embodiments, the initial actuation of the closure trigger 10140 causes the articulation drive to decouple from the staple firing drive. Such embodiments entirely avoid the possibility of the end effector 110400 articulating while the end effector 110400 is clamped onto the tissue. That said, such embodiments require the clinician to estimate where the second jaw 110420 will contact the tissue when the second jaw 110420 is eventually closed after the end effector 110400 has been articulated. If the clinician has already partially-closed the end effector 110400, in such embodiments, the clinician must re-open the end effector 110400 to re-articulate the end effector 110400. In such embodiments, re-opening the end effector 110400 re-engages the articulation drive with the staple firing drive and the control system becomes responsive once again to the articulation actuators 110160 and 110170. In alternative embodiments, the end effector 110400 of the surgical instrument 110000 can be articulated while the end effector 110400 is in a partially-closed, or partially-clamped, configuration. Once the end effector 110400 is closed more than the partially-closed configuration, in these embodiments, the articulation drive is decoupled from the staple firing drive and the control system is no longer responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170 until the end effector 110400 is re-opened or at least returned back to its partially-closed configuration.

Further to the above, the partially-closed configuration of the end effector 110400 is a predefined, or predetermined, position of the second jaw 110420. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 101-103 , the surgical instrument 110100 comprises a closure lock 10146 configured to releasably hold the closure actuator 10140 in the pre-defined, partially-closed position. When the closure actuator 10140 is in this partially-closed position, the articulation drive is still engaged with the staple firing drive and the control system is responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. Stated another way, the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive and the control system is responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170 when the closure actuator 10140 is in a position between, and including, the open position and the pre-defined, partially-closed position. FIG. 102 illustrates a lock arm 10147 of the closure lock 10146 seated in a notch, or recess, 10145 defined in a top portion 10144 of the closure actuator 10140. The lock arm 10147 engages the notch 10145 as the closure actuator 10140 is being closed, i.e., when the closure actuator 10140 reaches the partially-closed position discussed above. In various instances, the lock arm 10147 entering the notch 10145 can make an audible click which can indicate to the clinician closing the closure actuator 10140 that any additional closure of the closure actuator 10140 will disable the articulation drive and controls. The lock arm 10147 entering into the notch 10145 can also provide a tactile feedback to the clinician. At such point, the clinician is afforded an opportunity to observe the articulated position of the end effector 110400 and the partially-closed configuration of the end effector 110400 while the closure actuator 10140 is held in position. If the clinician is unsatisfied with the position of the end effector 110400 in this instance, the clinician is afforded an opportunity to articulate the end effector 110400 once again using the articulation controls 110160 and 110170 without having to re-open the end effector 110400. Closing the closure actuator 10140 beyond this position, however, decouples the articulation drive from the staple firing drive and makes the control system unresponsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. In such instances, the lock arm 10147 flexes out of engagement with the notch 10145 such that the top portion 10144 rotates past the lock arm 10147 until the closure actuator 10140 reaches the end of its stroke. At such point, referring to FIG. 103 , the lock arm 10147 unflexes and falls in behind the top portion 10144 to releasably hold the closure actuator 10140 in its fully-closed position. Applying a force to the closure actuator 10140 can flex the lock arm 10147 out of the way once again so as to return the closure actuator 10140 to its above-discussed partially-closed position and/or fully-open position. When the closure actuator 10140 is returned to the partially-closed position, and/or anywhere in-between the partially-closed position and the open position, the articulation drive is re-engaged with the staple firing drive and the control system is once again responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170.

A surgical instrument including a handle 112100 is illustrated in FIGS. 104-106 which comprises a selectively actuatable closure actuator block. The handle 112100 comprises a closure actuator 112140 which, similar to the closure actuator 10140, is rotated from a fully-open position (FIG. 104 ) to a fully-clamped position (FIG. 106 ) to close the end effector 110400. The closure actuator 112140 comprises a deployable block 112145 rotatably mounted thereto which is rotatable between a stowed position (FIG. 104 ) to a deployed position (FIG. 105 ) which can support the closure actuator 112140 in a partially-closed position. In this partially-closed position of the closure actuator 112140, similar to the above, the articulation drive is still operably engaged with the staple firing drive and the control system is still responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. At such point, the clinician can choose to deactivate the closure block 112145 and fully close the end effector 110400. Doing so, similar to the above, will decouple the articulation drive from the staple firing drive and make the control system non-responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. The clinician can decide whether or not to deploy the closure block 112145. If the closure block 112145 is not deployed, the closure actuator 112140 will not be stopped in its predefined, partially-closed position and the articulation drive will be deactivated as the end effector 110400 is closed. When the closure actuator 10140 is returned to the its partially-closed position, and/or anywhere in-between the partially-closed position and the open position, the articulation drive is re-engaged with the staple firing drive and the control system is once again responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. The control system comprises a sensor system configured to assess whether the closure actuator 112140 is in its open position, partially-closed position, and/or fully-closed position.

Further to the above, automatic locks and/or deployable blocks can be used separately and/or together in various embodiments. Another example is illustrated in FIGS. 107 and 108 which includes a shaft 113200 extending from a handle 110100. The shaft 113200 comprises a nozzle 113220 which is used to rotate the shaft 113200 about a longitudinal axis. The nozzle 113220 includes an actuator 113225 which is manually depressed by the clinician to block the closure drive in a state which corresponds to the above-discussed predefined, partially-closed position.

When the closure actuator 10140 is closed, referring now to FIGS. 109 and 110 , the closure actuator 10140 drives a closure drive 10600 to close the second jaw 110420 of the end effector 110400. The closure drive 10600 includes a carriage 110610 which is pushed distally by the top portion 10144 of the closure actuator 10140 as the closure actuator 10140 is moved into its closed position by the clinician. The closure drive 10600 further includes a closure tube assembly 10240 mounted to the carriage 110610 which moves distally with the carriage 110610. The closure tube assembly 10240 comprises a distal end which interfaces with the second jaw 110420 and moves the second jaw 110420 downwardly toward the first jaw 110410 as the closure tube assembly 10240 is advanced distally. The closure drive 10600 also includes a spring 110620 positioned intermediate the carriage 110610 and the shaft frame 110210 which is resiliently compressed between the carriage 110610 and the shaft frame 110210 as the carriage 110610 is advanced distally during the closure stroke. After the closure stroke is completed, the spring 110620 is held in its compressed state by the closure lock 10146 (FIG. 102 ), discussed above, until the closure lock 10146 is overcome by an opening force provided by opening actuators 10180 a and 10180 b (FIG. 90 ) on the handle 110100. At such point, the compressed spring 110620 pushes the carriage 110610 and the closure tube assembly 10240 proximally to re-position the closure actuator 10140 in its unactuated position and to permit jaw opening springs 10446 (FIG. 147 ) in the end effector 110400 to open the second jaw 110420.

In various alternative embodiments, further to the above, a closure drive can include more than one spring that is compressed between the closure carriage 110610 and the shaft frame 110210. Referring to FIG. 111 , a closure drive can comprise a distal spring 110620′ and a proximal spring 110620″ in series with one another. The distal spring 110620′ is stiffer than the proximal spring 110620″ such that the proximal spring 110620″ is compressed significantly before the distal spring 110620′ compresses significantly. As a result, the initial movement of the closure actuator 10140 from its fully-open position will encounter a light force owing to the compression of the proximal spring 110620″ that suddenly increases once the distal spring 110620′ begins to compress significantly. In at least one such instance, the proximal spring 110620″ reaches its fully-compressed, or solid, state before the distal spring 110620′ begins to compress significantly. This sudden increase in the force being applied to the closure actuator 10140 can correspond to the point in the closure stroke in which the articulation system has been deactivated. In such instances, the clinician is provided with tactile feedback that the articulation system can no longer be used to articulate the end effector 110400 unless the closure actuator 110400 is at least partially released, or re-opened, back beyond the force transition point. A graphical representation of the force applied to the closure actuator 10140 by the springs 110620′ and 110620″ is depicted in FIG. 113 . The force applied to the closure actuator 10140 is depicted by line 110650 which includes an initial portion 110650 a and a final portion 110650 b. In the initial portion 110650 a, as outlined above, the proximal spring 110620″ compresses easily during the initial portion of the closing stroke resulting in a low force, around 100 N, being applied to the closure actuator 10140. At the half-way point in the closure stroke, for example, the force applied to the closure actuator 10140 in the final portion 110650 b increases significantly owing to the solid state of the proximal spring 110620″ and the higher spring rate of the distal spring 110620′. This force transition is demarcated as datum 110651 in FIG. 113 which also demarcates the deactivation of the articulation system.

Further to the above, FIG. 112A depicts the spring 110620, discussed above, which has a constant spring rate along the length thereof. FIG. 112C is a graphical representation of a spring system including the distal spring 110620′ and the proximal spring 110620″ which have different spring rates. In various instances, the effect provided by the distal spring 110620′ and the proximal spring 110620″ can be combined into a single spring, such as spring 110620′″ in FIG. 112B, for example. In at least one embodiment, the spring 110620′″ comprises a spring rate which changes along the length thereof. In various embodiments, springs positioned intermediate the closure carriage 110610 and the shaft frame 110210 can comprise a parallel and/or series arrangement. Regardless of the spring arrangement used, the spring arrangement can provide a tactile feedback to the clinician that an operational transition or threshold has been crossed.

Referring to FIG. 114 , the surgical instrument 110000 comprises a visual indicator which indicates that the articulation drive has been decoupled from the staple firing drive and that the control system is no longer responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. The rocker body 110163 of the articulation actuator 110160 is comprised of a translucent material, such as a translucent plastic, for example. In at least one embodiment, the rocker body 110163 is comprised of clear polycarbonate, for example. The articulation actuator 110160 further comprises a light, such as a light emitting diode (LED), for example, positioned within and/or underneath the rocker body 110163. The light is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 110000 and is illuminated by the control system when the articulation drive is not engaged with the staple firing drive. In such instances, the clinician is provided with visual feedback that the articulation control 110160 is no longer responsive to inputs. Similarly, the articulation control 110170 comprises a button housing comprised of a translucent material and a light in communication with the control system. Similar to the articulation control 110160, the light of the articulation control 110170 is illuminated by the control system when the articulation drive is not engaged with the staple firing drive. In various embodiments, the articulation actuator 110160 is not illuminated when the closure actuator 10140 is in within a range of positions between, and including, its fully-open position and a predetermined partially-closed position, discussed above. When the closure actuator 10140 is closed beyond the predetermined partially-closed position, the articulation actuator 110160 is illuminated—at least until the closure actuator 10140 is returned back into the predetermined partially-closed position.

In various alternative embodiments, the light of the actuator 110160, and/or the actuator 110170, is illuminated with a first color, such as green, for example, when the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive and a second color, such as red, for example, when the articulation drive is not engaged with the staple firing drive. In at least one such embodiment, the light in the articulation actuator 110160 comprises a two-color LED, for example.

Referring to FIG. 115 , the surgical instrument 110000 can comprise a visual indicator which indicates that the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive and that the control system is responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. The light in the articulation control 110160 is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 110000 and is illuminated by the control system when the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive. In such instances, the clinician is provided with visual feedback that the articulation control 110160 is responsive to inputs. Similar to the articulation control 110160, the light of the articulation control 110170 is illuminated by the control system when the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive. In various embodiments, the articulation actuator 110160 is illuminated when the closure actuator 10140 is in within a range of positions between, and including, its fully-open position and a predetermined partially-closed position, discussed above. When the closure actuator 10140 is closed beyond the predetermined partially-closed position, the articulation actuator 110160 is deilluminated—at least until the closure actuator 10140 is returned back into the predetermined partially-closed position. Further details are provided in the control system schematics 110900″ and 110900′″ illustrated in FIGS. 116 and 117 , respectively.

As described above, the articulation drive of the surgical instrument 110000 is selectively engageable with the staple firing drive. When the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive, the articulation actuator 110160 is actuatable to operate the electric motor of the staple firing drive and translate an articulation member of the articulation drive longitudinally. Referring to FIGS. 118-120 , the surgical instrument 110000 further comprises an articulation lock system 110260 including two sets of articulation locks 110280 which releasably hold the articulation drive system (and end effector 110400) in position when the articulation drive is not being driven by the electric motor, as described in greater detail below. As also described in greater detail below, the two sets of articulation locks 110280 self-unlock when the articulation drive is driven by the electric motor of the staple firing drive.

Referring to FIG. 118 , the articulation drive of the surgical instrument 110000 comprises a proximal drive member 110250 which is translated proximally and distally by the electric motor, depending on the direction in which the articulation actuator 110160 is actuated. When the proximal drive member 110250 is driven distally, the proximal drive member 110250 contacts a first set of articulation locks 110280 which are shifted from a locked position to an unlocked position by the distal movement of the proximal drive member 110250. The shifting of the first set of articulation locks 110280 shifts a second set of articulation locks 110280 into an unlocked position via a spring 10286 (FIG. 73 ) positioned intermediate the first and second sets of articulation locks 110280. Thus, the distal motion of the proximal drive member 110250 unlocks both sets of articulation locks 110280 and drives both sets of articulation locks 110280 distally. The articulation locks 110280 are engaged with a distal articulation member 110270 which is driven distally by the articulation locks 110280 when the articulation locks 110280 are driven distally by the proximal articulation member 110250. When the proximal drive member 110250 stops moving, the spring 10286 biases the articulation locks 110280 back into their locked positions to re-lock the end effector 110400 in position. When the proximal member 110250 is driven proximally, the proximal drive member 110250 contacts the second set of articulation locks 110280, shifts the first and second sets of articulation locks 110280 into their unlocked positions, and drives the first and second sets of articulation locks 110280 and the distal articulation member 112070 proximally. When the proximal drive member 110250 stops moving, similar to the above, the spring 10286 biases the articulation locks 110280 back into their locked positions to re-lock the end effector 110400 in position.

When the articulation locks 110280 are moved proximally and distally by the proximal drive member 110250 of the articulation drive, as described above, the articulation locks 110280 slide along a lock rail 110282. Referring primarily to FIG. 120 , the lock rail 110282 extends through apertures 110285 defined in the lock ends 110284 of the articulation locks 110280. Notably, the lock rail 110282 comprises two flat lock surfaces 110282 a which are positioned on opposite sides and two arcuate lock surfaces 110282 b which are positioned on opposite sides. Each aperture 110285 comprises opposing flat lock sides 110285 a which engage the flat lock surfaces 110282 a of the lock rail 110282 when the articulation locks 110280 are in their locked positions. In various instances, the flat lock sides 110285 a comprise edges which bite into the lock rail 110282 when the articulation locks 110280 are in their locked positions. Such an arrangement strongly resists back-driving forces transmitted into the articulation drive when a torque and/or force is applied to the end effector 110400 which tends to articulate or de-articulate the end effector 110400. When the articulation locks 110280 are shifted into the unlocked positions by the articulation drive, as described above, the flat lock sides 110285 a of the apertures 110285 can slide along the flat lock surfaces 110282 a of the lock rail 110282 which permits the end effector 110400 to be articulated. Each aperture 110285 further comprises opposing arcuate sides 110285 b which slide along the arcuate lock surfaces 110282 b of the lock rail 110282.

In various instances, the surgical instrument 110000 can comprise one or more position sensors which can be used to verify that the articulation drive system is engaged with or disengaged from the staple firing system. In at least one such embodiment, the surgical instrument 110000 comprises a Hall Effect sensor, for example, configured to assess whether or not the articulation drive member is aligned with and/or engaged with the staple firing drive member. In addition to or in lieu of a position sensor, the surgical instrument 110000 can comprise a force and/or force-related sensor configured to assess whether or not the articulation drive system is engaged with the staple firing drive system. In at least one such embodiment, the control system of the surgical instrument 110000 includes at least one strain gauge mounted on the proximal articulation drive member 110250, for example, which is configured to detect the strain in the proximal articulation drive member 110250. The strain loading in the articulation drive member 110250 follows a predictable pattern when the articulation drive member 110250 is advanced proximally or distally to unlock the articulation lock assembly 110260. For instance, a large force is needed to unlock the articulation lock assembly 110260 which then decreases once the end effector 110400 starts to articulate. In various instances, a processor of the surgical instrument control system is configured to compare the sensed strain loading data from the strain gauge to the expected strain data stored in a memory device of the control system. If the sensed data matches, or sufficiently matches, the stored data within an acceptable margin of error, the control system will determine that the articulation drive is engaged with the staple firing drive and permit the surgical instrument 110000 to continue to respond the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. The handle 110100 can also include an indicator light in communication with the control system that is illuminated by the control system when the control system determines that the articulation drive is coupled to the staple firing drive. Such an indicator light can be the articulation actuator 110160, the articulation actuator 110170, and/or an indicator light adjacent the articulation actuators 110160 and 110170, for example.

If, however, the sensed data does not sufficiently match the stored data, the control system will determine that the articulation drive is not engaged with the staple firing drive and will not permit the surgical instrument 110000 to continue to be responsive to the articulation controls 110160 and 110170. When the articulation drive is not engaged with the staple firing drive, the articulation drive member is not driven by the electric motor and, thus, little, if any, strain will be present in the articulation drive member 110250 which provides a pattern that is clearly discernable from the above-described pattern. Similar to the above, the handle 110100 can also include an indicator light in communication with the control system that is illuminated by the control system when the control system determines that the articulation drive is not coupled to the staple firing drive. Such an indicator light can be part of the articulation actuator 110160, the articulation actuator 110170, and/or an indicator light adjacent the articulation actuators 110160 and 110170, for example.

Further to the above, the proximal articulation drive member 110250 comprises an electrical circuit in communication with the at least one strain sensor mounted to the proximal articulation drive member 110250. The electrical circuit comprises an electrical contact that travels within and is in contact with an elongate longitudinal electrical contact in the handle 110100 which is, in turn, in communication with the processor of the surgical instrument 110000. As a result of this slideable electrical interface, the at least one strain sensor remains in communication with the control system throughout the travel of the proximal articulation drive member 110250. Other contact arrangements can be used. Moreover, other types of force sensors could be used, such as force transducers, for example. Also, any suitable portion of the articulation drive system could be used to assess whether the articulation drive system is engaged with the staple firing system.

An articulation lock in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 121 and 122 . The articulation lock comprises a lock rail 110282′, a first set of articulation locks 110280 a′, and a second set of articulation locks 110280 b′. Similar to the articulation locks 110280, the articulation locks 110280 a′ and 110280 b′ are shiftable between locked and unlocked positions when the proximal articulation drive member 110250 is driven longitudinally. The lock rail 110282′ comprises a first portion 110282 a′ which is gripped by the first articulation locks 110280 a′, a second portion 110282 b′ which is gripped by the second articulation locks 110280 b′, and a spring 110282 c′ connecting the first portion 110282 a′ and the second portion 110282 b′ of the lock rail 110282′. The flexibility of the spring 110282 c′ creates a force reaction in the articulation drive system which is observable and detectable by the control system to assess whether the articulation driver is engaged with the staple firing drive. Moreover, each articulation lock 110280 a′ comprises a kick-out 110284 a′ and, similarly, each articulation lock 110280 b′ comprises a kick-out 110284 b′. The kick-outs 110284 a′ are nested with one another and in contact one another. Similarly, the kick-outs 110284 b′ are nested with one another and in contact one another. The length L and radius R of the kick-outs 110284 a′ and 110284 b′ are designed to create an improved locking/unlocking force and/or displacement profile of the articulation lock which is observable and detectable by the control system to assess whether the articulation driver is engaged with the staple firing drive.

A surgical instrument in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 123-126 . The surgical instrument comprises a shaft 114200, an end effector 114400, an articulation drive configured to articulate the end effector 114400 about an articulation joint, and an articulation lock 114280. The articulation drive comprises a proximal articulation driver 114250, a distal articulation driver 114270, and an articulation lock spring 114260 positioned intermediate a distal arm 114272 and a proximal arm 114274 of the distal articulation driver 114270. When the articulation drive system is at rest, i.e., not being driven to articulate the end effector 114400, referring to FIG. 123 , the articulation lock spring 114260 comprises a distal end 114262 positioned against the distal arm 114272 of the distal articulation driver 114270 and a proximal end 114264 engaged with the proximal articulation driver 114250. In such instances, as illustrated in FIG. 123 , the proximal end 114264 of the articulation lock spring 114260 is seated in a notch, or recess, 114255 defined in the proximal articulation driver 114250. Moreover, in such instances, the lock spring 114260 is in a locked condition in which it is engaged with a lock rail 10282 of the shaft 114200. Referring primarily to FIG. 126 , the lock rail 10282 extends through an aperture in the lock spring 114260 and, when the lock spring 114260 is in its locked condition, the coils of the lock spring 114260 are tightly engaged, or gripped, with a circular outer surface of the lock rail 10282. As a result, a significant drag force can be created which resists or prevents the articulation of the end effector 114400 when the end effector 114400 experiences a back-driving torque and/or force which tends to articulate or de-articulate the end effector 114400. In order to release the grip of the lock spring 114260 and unlock the articulation lock 114280, the diameter of the lock spring 114260 must be increased, as described in greater detail below.

When the proximal articulation driver 114250 is advanced distally to articulate the end effector 114400, referring to FIG. 124 , a proximal cam arm 114254 of the proximal articulation driver 114250 engages the proximal arm 114274 of the distal articulation driver 114270 to push the distal articulation driver 114270 distally. The distal end of the distal articulation driver 114270 is engaged with a frame 114410 of the end effector 114400 such that the longitudinal translation of the distal articulation driver 114270 rotates the end effector 114400. When the proximal articulation driver 114250 contacts the distal articulation driver 114270, further to the above, the proximal end 114264 of the articulation lock spring 114260 is unseated from the notch 114255 and driven inwardly by the proximal articulation driver 114250. In such instances, the diameter of the articulation lock spring 114260 increases to release its grip on the lock rail 10282 and permit the end effector 114400 to be articulated by the articulation drive. When the distal motion of the proximal articulation driver 114250 is stopped, the articulation lock spring 114260 resiliently returns to its locked condition and re-grasps the lock rail 10282.

When the proximal articulation driver 114250 is moved proximally to articulate the end effector 114400 in an opposite direction, referring to FIG. 125 , a distal cam arm 114252 of the proximal articulation driver 114250 engages the distal arm 114272 of the distal articulation driver 114270 to pull the distal articulation driver 114270 proximally. In such instances, further to the above, the proximal end 114264 of the articulation lock spring 114260 is unseated from the notch 114255 and driven inwardly by the proximal articulation driver 114250. In such instances, the diameter of the articulation lock spring 114260 increases to release its grip on the lock rail 10282 and permit the end effector 114400 to be articulated by the articulation drive. When the proximal motion of the proximal articulation driver 114250 is stopped, the articulation lock spring 114260 resiliently returns to its locked condition and re-grasps the lock rail 10282.

As discussed above, the actuation of the closure drive of the surgical instrument 110000 deactivates the articulation drive system at some point during the closure stroke. As the closure drive reaches the end of its closure stroke, the second jaw 110420 contacts the first jaw 110410 in a manner which indicates to the clinician using the surgical instrument 110000 that the second jaw 110420 is reaching its fully-clamped position. Referring to FIGS. 127-130 , the second jaw 110420 is pivotably coupled to the first jaw 110410 and is rotatable between a fully-open position (FIG. 128 ) and a fully-clamped position (FIG. 127 ) during the closure stroke. When the second jaw 110420 is in its fully-open position (FIG. 128 ), the flanges, or tissue stops, 110428 of the second jaw 110420 are not engaged with the first jaw 110410. As the second jaw 110420 is closed, referring to FIG. 129 , the tissue stops 110428 come into contact with the outside walls 110418 of the first jaw 110410. The inside surfaces 110429 of the tissue stops are un-angled, or parallel to the closing motion of the second jaw 110420. Referring primarily to FIG. 130 , the outside surfaces 110419 of the outside walls 110418 are angled inwardly, or non-parallel to the closing motion of the second jaw 110420. Owing to this arrangement, an interference between the tissue stops 110428 of the second jaw 110420 and the outside walls 110418 of the first jaw 110410 is created during the closing motion of the second jaw 110420 and increases gradually as the second jaw 110420 is moved into its fully-closed position. This increasing interference between the jaws 110410 and 110420 creates an increasing resistance force within the closure drive which is transmitted back through the closure tube 110240 into the closure trigger 10140. The clinician pulling the closure trigger 10140 can feel the increasing resistance force being transmitted through the closure trigger 10140 and understand that the second jaw 10420 is reaching its fully-closed position.

Referring primarily to FIG. 130 , each outside surface 110419 comprises a top angled surface 110419 a, a second angled surface 110419 b, and a final angled surface 110419 c, for example. The first jaw 110410 comprises a channel 110412, which is configured to receive a staple cartridge therein, which comprises a top width defined between the top angled surfaces 110419 a. The top width of the channel 110412 is narrower than an intermediate width defined between the intermediate angled surfaces 110419 b which is narrower than a final width defined between the final angled surfaces 110419 c. In addition to providing a tactile feedback to the clinician, the above-described arrangement maintains a proper lateral alignment between the first jaw 110410 and the second jaw 110420.

As discussed above, the actuation of the closure drive 10600 of the surgical instrument 110000 decouples the articulation drive from the staple firing drive at some point during the closure stroke. Referring to FIGS. 131 and 132 , the surgical instrument 110000 comprises a transmission 110230 which is switched from a first state, or configuration, to a second state, or configuration when the closure drive 10600 is closed. When the transmission 110230 is in its first state, the proximal articulation driver 110250 is coupled to a firing member of the staple firing drive. When the transmission 110230 is in its second state, the proximal articulation driver 110250 is disengaged from the firing member. During the closure stroke, a cam portion of the closure drive 10600 contacts the transmission 110230 to rotate the transmission 110230 from its first state into its second state. The transmission 110230 comprises a cam member 110232 mounted within a rotatable collar 110234 which is contacted by the cam portion of the closure drive during the closure stroke. The cam member 110232 is comprised of a harder material than the cam portion of the closure drive 10600. In various instances, the scratch hardness and/or indentation hardness of the cam member 110232 is higher than the cam portion of the closure drive 10600. In at least one embodiment, the rotatable collar 110234 is comprised of plastic and the cam member 110232 is comprised of metal, such as cast zinc, for example. In various alternative embodiments, the cam portion of the closure drive 10600 is comprised of metal and the cam member 110232 of the transmission 110230 is comprised of the same metal. In any event, the transmission 110230 further comprises a spring which is compressed when the collar 110234 is rotated into its second state. The compressed spring is configured to re-expand and bias the collar 110234 back into its first state when the closure drive is retracted.

When the closure drive is advanced distally during the closure stroke, further to the above, the closure tube 110240 is advanced distally to engage and close the second jaw 110420 of the end effector 110400. Referring to FIGS. 133 and 134 , the frame 110210′ of the shaft 110220 can comprise one or more sealing interfaces which are engaged by the closure tube 110240 as it is advanced distally. The shaft frame 110210′ is cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, and comprises a first sealing interface 110212 and a second sealing interface 110214. The first sealing interface 110212 comprises a ring, or ridge, extending partially around the shaft frame 110210′; however, the first sealing interface 110212 could extend around the entire circumference of the shaft frame 110210′ in other embodiments. Similarly, the second sealing interface 110214 comprises a ring, or ridge, extending partially around the shaft frame 110210′; however, the second sealing interface 110214 could extend around the entire circumference of the shaft frame 110210′ in other embodiments. The first sealing interface 110212 and the second sealing interface 110214 are comprised of plastic and are configured to resiliently deform when they are engaged by the closure tube 110240. The resilient deformation of the interfaces 110212 provides a liquid-tight and/or gas-tight interface between the closure tube 110240 and the frame 110210′ which can limit the ingress of fluids into the shaft 110200 and/or handle 110100 of the surgical instrument 110000. In various embodiments, the sealing interfaces 110212 and 110214 can be comprised of any suitable material, such as rubber and/or silicone, for example.

Once the end effector 110400 has been sufficiently closed, further to the above, the staple firing drive of the surgical instrument 110000 can be actuated to fire the staples contained in the staple cartridge seated in the end effector 110400 during a staple firing stroke. Referring to FIG. 148 , the staple firing drive comprises a firing member, or bar, 110710 which is advanced distally by the electric motor of the staple firing drive in response to an actuation of the firing trigger 10150 (FIG. 91 ). The staple firing drive further comprises a coupling element 110720 attached to the distal end of the firing bar 110710. In at least one embodiment, the interface between the firing bar 110710 and the coupling element 110720 comprises a dovetail arrangement, for example. The coupling element 110720 is moveable between a proximal unfired position, illustrated in FIG. 148 , and a distal fired position during a staple firing stroke. The coupling element 110720 comprises a cam 110724 configured to engage the first jaw 110410 and a cam 110722 configured to engage the second jaw 110420 during the staple firing stroke and hold the second jaw 110420. The cams 110722 and 110724 co-operate to hold the second jaw 110420 in position relative to the first jaw 110410 during the staple firing stroke, although embodiments are envisioned without the cams 110722 and 110724. The coupling element 110720 further comprises a tissue cutting edge 110271 configured to transect the tissue captured between the first jaw 110410 and the second jaw 110420 during the staple firing stroke.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 110000 comprises a staple firing lockout to prevent the staple firing stroke when a staple cartridge is missing from the first jaw 110410 and/or when the staple cartridge seated in the first jaw 110410 has already been at least partially fired. To this end, the coupling element 110720 further comprises a proximally-extending tail 110729 which is biased downwardly, i.e., toward the bottom of the first jaw 110410, at the beginning of the staple firing stroke by a firing lockout spring 110490 mounted in the shaft 110200. Prior to the beginning of the firing stroke, referring to FIG. 148 , the lockout spring 110490 is in an initially-unloaded state. In other words, the lockout spring 110490 does not apply any force to the proximally-extending tail 110729 of the coupling element 110720 when the coupling element 110720 is in its unfired position. Once the coupling element 110720 is advanced distally at the beginning of the staple firing stroke, the tail 110729 comes into contact with the lockout spring 110490 such that the lockout spring 110490 applies a downward force to the coupling element 110720. As discussed below, the downward force applied to the coupling element 110720 can, in various instances, lockout the staple firing drive and prevent the coupling element 110720 from being moved distally through the staple firing stroke. Such a configuration can avoid a continuous, and unnecessary, stress experienced by a firing assembly over time by only applying a lockout force to the firing assembly during the beginning of a firing stroke instead of applying a lockout force for an indefinite amount of time prior to the beginning of the firing stroke.

If an unfired staple cartridge is not seated in the first jaw 110410 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke, the firing lockout spring 110490 will push the coupling element 110720 downwardly such that a laterally-extending lock shoulder 110727 extending from the coupling element 110720 enters into a lock recess 10419 defined in the first jaw 10410 and contacts a lock shoulder 10417 at the distal end of the lock recess 10419 which blocks the distal advancement of the staple firing drive to prevent the staple firing stroke. If an unfired staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw 110410 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke, a distal end 110725 of the coupling element 110720 is supported by a sled in the staple cartridge which prevents the coupling element 110720 from being pushed into the lock recess 110419 by the firing lockout spring 110490 and, as a result, the coupling element 110720 can be advanced distally to perform the staple firing stroke. As the coupling element 110720 is being advanced distally through the staple firing stroke, the tail 110729 is no longer in contact with the firing lockout spring 110490 and, thus, the downward biasing force is not applied to the staple firing drive through the staple firing stroke. When the coupling element 117020 is retracted proximally after the staple firing stroke, the tail 110729 re-engages the lockout spring 110490 and deflects the lockout spring 110490 upwardly such that the tail 110729 can slide under the lockout spring 110490 back into its unfired position.

Further to the above, the firing lockout spring 110490 comprises a proximal portion 110492 mounted to the shaft 110200 and a distal end 110494 which is free to move relative to the proximal portion 110492. The distal end 110494 comprises an arcuate portion 110499 which extends over the proximal tail 110729 which is contacted by the proximal tail 110729 when the staple firing drive is actuated. The firing lockout spring 110490 further comprises lateral supports 110495 extending therefrom which supports the distal end 110494 over the proximal tail 110729. The lateral supports 110495 are positioned within recesses 110415 defined in the first jaw 110410 which hold the lateral supports 110495 in position. As a result of this arrangement, the firing lockout spring 110490 is prevented from bottoming out on the first jaw 110410 and shortening the effective length of the firing lockout spring 110490. Moreover, as a result of this arrangement, the firing lockout spring 110490 is able to flex and/or move upwardly to permit the coupling member 110720 to pass thereby without yielding or permanently deforming the firing lockout spring 110490. When the coupling member 110720 is returned to its proximal unfired position after the staple firing stroke, the firing lockout spring 110490 is moved upwardly by the coupling member 110720 to permit the coupling member tail 110729 to move thereunder.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 135-146 , an articulation joint of a surgical instrument described herein can be configured to support the firing bar 110710 of the staple firing drive during the staple firing stroke. As discussed above, a surgical instrument can comprise a shaft 114200 and an end effector 114400 rotatably connected to the shaft 114200 about an articulation joint. Referring primarily to FIG. 135 , the shaft 114200 comprises a frame 114210 which includes a pivot pin 114560 extending therefrom which is closely received in a pivot aperture defined in a frame 114410 of the end effector 114400. The pivot pin 114560 and the pivot aperture co-operate to define the articulation axis AA of the articulation joint. Similar to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 136 , the end effector frame 114410 comprises an articulation drive pin 14464 extending therefrom which is engaged with the distal articulation driver 114270 and driven by the articulation drive system to articulate the end effector 114400 relative to the shaft 114200.

Referring again to FIGS. 135 and 136 , the articulation joint further comprises a firing bar guide 114510 configured to slide relative to the pivot pin 114560 of the articulation joint. The firing bar guide 114510 comprises a proximal end 114530 which includes a proximal control pin that extends downwardly into a guide aperture 114215 defined in the shaft frame 114210. The proximal control pin is configured to move within the shaft guide aperture 114215 but its lateral and longitudinal motion is constrained by the sidewalls of the shaft guide aperture 114215. Similarly, the firing bar guide 114510 comprises a distal end 114540 which includes a distal control pin that extends downwardly into a guide aperture 114440 defined in the end effector frame 114410. The distal control pin is configured to move within the end effector guide aperture 114440 but its lateral and longitudinal motion is constrained by the sidewalls of the end effector guide aperture 114440. The firing bar guide 114510 further comprises arcuate guide walls 114570 which support the sides of the firing bar 110710 as the firing bar 110710 slides relative thereto. The guide walls 114570 prevent the firing bar 110710 from buckling, among other things.

Further to the above, the shaft 114200 further comprises a retainer 114290 attached to the shaft frame 114210. The retainer 114290 further comprises a distal end including control surfaces 114295 defined thereon which are configured to constrain the rotation of the firing bar guide 114510 within the articulation joint. When the end effector 114400 is articulated to the left, as illustrated in FIG. 135 , a left shoulder 114535 defined on the firing bar guide 114510 contacts the control surfaces 114295 on the retainer 114290. When the end effector is articulated to the right, as illustrated in FIG. 137 , a right shoulder 114535 defined on the firing bar guide 114510 contacts the control surfaces 114295 on the retainer 114290. Regardless of whether the firing bar guide 114510 is in its left-most orientation, its right-most orientation, or anywhere in-between, the knife bar guide walls 114570 are aligned with a knife bar guide slot 114270 defined in the shaft 114200 and a knife bar guide slot 114470 defined in the end effector 114400 to provide a continuous, or at least nearly continuous, supported path for the firing bar 110710 through the articulation joint.

Further to the above, the end effector frame 114410 comprises control notches 114445 defined therein which are configured to receive corresponding distal projections 114545 extending from the distal end of the firing bar guide 114510. When the end effector 114400 is fully-articulated to the left, as illustrated in FIG. 135 , a left distal projection 114545 of the firing bar guide 114510 is captured in a left control notch 114445. Simultaneously, the left shoulder 114535 of the firing bar guide 114510 is in contact with the left control surface 114295 of the retainer 114290. In such instances, the firing bar guide 114510 is held in place within the articulation joint. Moreover, in such instances, the firing bar guide 114510 can control the left-most articulation of the end effector 114400. When the end effector 114400 is fully-articulated to the right, as illustrated in FIG. 137 , a right distal projection 114545 of the firing bar guide 114510 is captured in a right control notch 114445. Simultaneously, the right shoulder 114535 of the firing bar guide 114510 is in contact with the right control surface 114295 of the retainer 114290. In such instances, the firing bar guide 114510 is held in place within the articulation joint. Moreover, in such instances, the firing bar guide 114510 can control the right-most articulation of the end effector 114400.

Referring to FIG. 140 , the shaft retainer 114290 comprises two lateral sides which are connected at the distal end thereof by a connector 114299. Such an arrangement reduces, if not prevents, relative movement between the two lateral sides of the shaft retainer 114290. When the shaft retainer 114290 is assembled to the shaft frame 114210, referring to FIG. 141 , the connector 114299 of the shaft retainer 114290 extends into the shaft aperture 114215. Referring to FIGS. 142 and 143 , the proximal end 114530 of the firing bar guide 114510 comprises a recessed portion which is configured to slide under the shaft retainer 114290. As a result, the shaft retainer 114290 retains the firing bar guide 114510 from lifting upwardly. The firing bar guide 114510 further comprises a lip 114539 extending proximally from the proximal end 114530 thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 142 , the lip 14539 is configured to slide under the connector 114299. As a result, similar to the above, the connector 114299 of the shaft retainer 114290 retains the firing bar guide 114510 from lifting upwardly.

Referring again to FIG. 135 , the firing bar guide 114510 comprises lateral wings 114520 extending therefrom. The lateral wings 114520 are configured to inhibit or prevent patient tissue from entering into the articulation joint and becoming pinched between the shaft 114200 and the end effector 114400 when the end effector 114400 is articulated.

Referring to FIGS. 149 and 149A, the surgical instrument 110000 comprises a power management system 110900 configured to control the manner in which the surgical instrument 110000 is powered up. The power management system 110900 comprises a first voltage regulator 110910, a second voltage regulator 110920, and a processor 110930 configured to control the first voltage regulator 110910 and the second voltage regulator 110920. The power management system 110900 further comprises a first component architecture 110940 of the surgical instrument 110000 which is powered at a first voltage, a second component architecture 110950 which is powered at a second voltage, and a third component architecture 110960 which is powered at a third voltage. The first component architecture 110940 is supplied with the first voltage when the battery 10300 is assembled to the handle 110100 and/or when the surgical instrument 110000 is powered on. In at least one embodiment, the first voltage is approximately 11 VDC, for example, and is immediately supplied to the first component architecture 110940.

The first voltage regulator 110910 comprises a control input 110911 which is in communication with the processor 110930, a supply input 110912 in communication with the first component architecture 110940, and a supply output 110913 in communication with the second component architecture 110950. The first voltage regulator 110910 comprises a Texas Instruments TPS561208 step-down voltage regulator, for example, which is switchable from an off condition to an on condition when a voltage exceeding a threshold voltage, such as 1.6 VDC, for example, is applied to the control input 110911 by the processor 110930. When the first voltage regulator 110910 is in its off condition, the second component architecture 110950 is unpowered. When the first voltage regulator 110910 is in its on condition, the second component architecture 110950 is supplied with a second voltage of 5.4 VDC, for example, from the supply output 110913 of the first voltage regulator 110910. In such instances, certain components and/or systems of the surgical instrument 110100 are, as a result, supplied with power at the second voltage.

The second voltage regulator 110920 comprises a control input 110921 which is in communication with the processor 110930, a supply input 110922 in communication with the second component architecture 110950, and a supply output 110923 in communication with the third component architecture 110960. The second voltage regulator 110920 comprises a Texas Instruments TLV741P low-dropout linear voltage regulator, for example, which is switchable from an off condition to an on condition when a voltage exceeding a threshold voltage is applied to the control input 110921 by the processor 110930. When the second voltage regulator 110920 is in its off condition, the third component architecture 110960 is unpowered. When the second voltage regulator 110920 is in its on condition, the third component architecture 110960 is supplied with a voltage of 3.3 VDC, for example, from the supply output 110923 of the second voltage regulator 110920. In such instances, certain components and/or systems of the surgical instrument 110100 are, as a result, supplied with power at the third voltage.

Further to the above, the processor 110930 is configured to sequentially stage, or stagger, the power-up of the first component architecture 110940, the second component architecture 110950, and the third component architecture 110960. As discussed above, the first component architecture 110940 is immediately powered when the surgical instrument 110000 is powered on. At such point, however, the processor does not supply the first voltage regulator 110910 and the second voltage regulator 110920 with an enabling voltage to their control inputs 110911 and 110921, respectively, and, as a result, the second component architecture 110950 and the third component architecture 110960 are unpowered. Instead, the processor 110930 is configured to wait a first period of time before supplying the enabling voltage to the control input 110911 of the first voltage regulator 110910 and then wait a second period of time before supplying the enabling voltage to the control input 110921 of the second voltage regulator 110920. As a result, the second component architecture 110950 is powered up before the third component architecture 110960. Such an arrangement can prevent a fuse in the power management system 110900 from being overpowered, or blown. The first period of time and the second period of time can comprise fixed times determined by a timer circuit, for example. In at least one alternative embodiment, a first timer circuit can be used to delay the power-up of the first voltage regulator 110910 and a second timer circuit can be used to delay the power-up of the second voltage regulator 110920 in lieu of a processor. In certain embodiments, the processor and/or a separate circuit can be configured to monitor spikes in the current supplied to the surgical instrument 110000 from the battery 10300 and wait until the spike has sufficiently abated before powering up the next component architecture in the power-up sequence.

Referring to FIG. 150 , the handle 110100 of the surgical instrument 110000, comprises a retraction system 110800 that can be used by the clinician to manually retract the staple firing system in the event that the electric motor is unable to retract the firing bar 110710 after the staple firing stroke. As can be seen in FIG. 150 , the retraction system 10800 comprises an actuator which is stowed in a cavity 110102 defined in the handle 110100. The handle 110100 comprises two housing halves that are assembled, or snap-fit, together to form an outer housing 110101 of the handle 110100 and, in addition, referring to FIG. 151 , a cover 110190 that is releasably secured to the outer housing 110101. The cover 110190 comprises a lip 110192 which extends under the outer housing 110101 and a latch 110194 which releasably secures the cover 110190 to the outer housing 110101. When the staple firing system is functioning properly, the cover 110190 is typically attached to the outer housing 110101 and the actuator of the retraction system 10800 is hidden under the cover 110190. When the clinician wants to use the manual retraction system, the clinician removes the cover 110190, raises the retraction system actuator, and then ratchets the retraction system actuator back and forth to retract the firing bar 110710.

Further to the above, the cover 110190 further comprises a detectable element 110196, such as a magnetic element comprised of iron and/or nickel, for example. The surgical instrument 110000 comprises a position sensor, such as a Hall Effect sensor, for example, in communication with the control system 110900 which is configured to detect the presence of the detectable element 110196. If the control system 110900 determines that the cover 110190 is attached to the outer housing 110101 based on data from the Hall Effect sensor, the control system 110900 is configured to supply battery power to the first component architecture 110940, and the component architectures 101950 and 101960, as described above. If, however, the control system determines that the cover 110190 is not attached to the housing 110101 based on data from the Hall Effect sensor, the control system 110900 is configured to deny power to the electric motor of the staple firing drive while the retraction system 110800 is being operated. In various instances, the control system 110900 can comprise a sensor configured to detect when the firing bar 110170 has been sufficiently retracted and, at that point, make power available to the electric motor once again so that the end effector 110400 can be articulated, as described above, using the electric motor if it is possible to do so. Reattaching the cover 110190 to the housing 110101 will also cause the control system 110900 to make power available to the electric motor once again.

A cover analog 110190′ is illustrated in FIG. 152 . The cover analog 110190′ is similar to the cover 110190 in every respect except one, i.e., the cover analog 110190′ comprises an additional detectable element 110198′ that can be used during the manufacturing process to activate certain functions of the surgical instrument 110000 that are not available during the ordinary use of the surgical instrument 110000 in a surgical suite and/or during a surgery. Referring to FIG. 153 , a control system circuit 110900′ includes a Hall Effect sensor 110970′ which is configured to detect the presence of the detectable element 110198′. Like the detectable element 110196, the detectable element 110198′ can be a magnetic element comprised of iron and/or nickel, for example. If the control system circuit 110900′ determines that the cover analog 110190′ is attached to the outer housing 110101 based on data from the Hall Effect sensor 110970′, the control system circuit 110900′ is configured to power up a radio antenna circuit 110980′ of the control system circuit 110900′ which is used to receive data, or programming, during the manufacturing process. After the surgical instrument 110000 has been sufficiently programmed during the manufacturing process, the cover analog 110190′ is removed from the handle 110100 and the cover 110190 is attached to the handle 110100 in its place. At such point, the control system circuit 110900′ will determine that the cover analog 110190′ is no longer attached to the handle 110100 and depower the radio antenna circuit 110980′. The surgical instrument 110000, at this point, is ready to be used during surgery. If the surgical instrument 110000 needs to be re-programmed, the cover 110190 is removed and replaced with the cover analog 110190′ to reactivate the radio antenna circuit 110980′. The frequency of the wireless signals can comprise any suitable frequency. Moreover, an optical receiver can be used to receive optical signals in addition to or in lieu of a radio antenna. The optical receiver could be powered in the same way as described above.

A surgical instrument 120000 is illustrated in FIGS. 154-183 and is similar to the other surgical instruments disclosed herein. The surgical instrument 120000 comprises a handle 120100, a shaft 120200 extending from the handle 120100, and an end effector 110400 rotatably coupled to the shaft 120200 about an articulation joint 120500. The handle 120100 comprises a frame, an outer housing 120110, and controls for operating the surgical instrument. Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 176-179 , the handle 120100 comprises a drive system 120900 including an electric motor 120910 that is actuatable to articulate the end effector 120500, among other things. The drive system 120900 further comprises a pinion gear 120920 affixed to the output shaft of the electric motor 120910 and a gear train including a transfer gear 120930 operably intermeshed with the pinion gear 120920. The transfer gear 120930 is rotatably supported by a shaft 120935 and is in meshing engagement with a firing rack 120150. As discussed in greater detail below, the transfer gear 120930 is also slideable along the shaft 120935 such that the transfer gear 120930 can be operably disengaged from the firing rack 120150 when, or if, a retraction, or bailout, system 120990 is actuated to manually retract the firing rack 120150. When the electric motor 120910 is operated in a first direction, the firing rack 120150 is translated distally. Correspondingly, the firing rack 120150 is translated proximally when the electric motor 120990 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction. Referring to FIGS. 157, 158, and 175 , the firing drive 120190 further comprises a firing rod 120160 mounted to the firing rack 120150 such that the firing rod 120160 translates with the firing rack 120150. The firing drive 120190 also comprises a firing bar 110710 coupled to the firing rod 120160. Referring to FIG. 162 , the firing bar 110710 comprises a plurality of flexible members, or laminates, 110711 that extend through the articulation joint 120500 which accommodate the articulation of the end effector 110400. As discussed further below, the firing drive 120900 is operable to articulate the end effector 110400 and, in a separate operating mode, drive the firing bar 110710 distally to perform a staple firing stroke.

When the firing drive 120900 is in its articulation mode, referring to FIG. 172 , the firing rod 120160 is operably connected to an articulation drive system via a clutch 110290. The clutch 110290 comprises an aperture 110295 defined therein through which the firing rod 120160 extends. The clutch 110290 further comprises a clutch shoulder 110294 which is engaged with a drive notch 120164 (FIG. 174 ) defined in the firing rod 120160 when the clutch 110290 is in its articulation mode position (FIG. 172 ). In addition, the clutch shoulder 110294 is also engaged with a drive notch 110254 defined in an articulation driver 110250 of the articulation drive system when the clutch 110290 is in its articulation mode position (FIG. 172 ). Thus, the articulation drive system is coupled with the firing rod 120160 such that the articulation driver 110250 and the firing rod 120160 translate together when the clutch 110290 is in its articulation mode position (FIG. 172 ). In such instances, the articulation driver 110250 is driveable distally by the firing rod 120160 to articulate the end effector 110400 in a first direction (FIG. 164 ), such as to the right of the shaft 120200, and driveable proximally by the firing rod 120160 to articulate the end effector in a second, or opposite, direction, such as to the left of the shaft 120200 (FIG. 165 ). In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 164 , the end effector 110400 is articulatable up to at least 60 degrees to the right of an unarticulated position (FIG. 163 ) and up to at least 60 degrees to the left of the unarticulated position, for example. In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 165 , the end effector 110400 is articulatable up to at least 65 degrees to the right of an unarticulated position (FIG. 163 ) and up to at least 65 degrees to the left of the unarticulated position, for example.

Notably, further to the above, the proximal and distal translation of the firing rod 120160 during the articulation mode is not transmitted to the firing bar 110710. More specifically, referring again to FIG. 175 , the firing bar 110710 comprises a proximal drive tab 110715 which is positioned within an elongate longitudinal slot 120165 defined in the distal end of the firing rod 120160. The longitudinal slot 120165 is sufficiently long enough such that the end walls 120161 of the longitudinal slot 120165 do not contact the drive tab 110715 when the end effector 110400 is being articulated. Stated another way, in various embodiments, the length of the longitudinal slot 120165 is equal to or longer than the maximum range that the firing rod 120160 is translated in the articulation mode. In any event, a clinician can articulate the end effector 110400 in the first direction and/or the second direction by the controls on the handle 120100 until they are satisfied with the position of the end effector 110400 relative to the patient tissue. At such point, the clinician can clamp the end effector 110400 onto the patient tissue, as described further below.

Further to the above, the articulation drive system of the surgical instrument 120000 is self-locking. More specifically, referring to FIGS. 166-168 , the articulation drive system comprises a lock system 110260, described above, which holds the end effector 110400 in position when the end effector 110400 is not being articulated. The lock system 110260 comprises lock elements, or plates, 110280—each of which comprises a lock end 110284 including an aperture defined therein—and a lock rail 110282 extending through the apertures in the lock elements 110280. The lock system 110260 further comprises a biasing spring 110286 positioned intermediate and compressed between a first group of lock elements 110280 and a second group of lock elements 110280. The biasing spring 110286 comprises a coil spring having a central opening defined therein which is also positioned around the lock rail 110282, but could comprise any suitable configuration. When the end effector 110400 is not being articulated, the spring 110286 of the lock system 110260 pushes, or rotates, the lock elements 110280 into a position, or orientation, in which a sidewall of the apertures defined in the lock elements 110280 bite into the lock rail 110282. In such instances, the lock system 110260 resists forces or torques being applied to the end effector 110400 which tend to unintentionally rotate the end effector 110400 about the articulation joint 120500. When the drive system 120900 is operated to articulate the end effector 110400, the initial translation of the articulation driver 110250 rotates the lock elements 110280 into an unlocked position, or orientation, which, as a result, unlocks the lock system 110260. In such instances, the drive system 120900 overcomes the biasing force being applied to the lock elements 110280 and compresses the biasing spring 110286. Once the lock system 110260 is unlocked, the continued translation of the articulation driver 110250 articulates the end effector 110400. Once the movement of the articulation driver 110250 stops, however, the biasing spring 110286 resiliently re-expands to push the lock elements 110280 back into their locked orientation and automatically re-lock the articulation drive in its new position. When the articulation driver 110250 is translated by the firing drive 120900 once again, the lock system 110260 is unlocked and the above-described process is repeated.

Further to the above, the end effector 110400 comprises a cartridge jaw 110410 and an anvil jaw 110420 rotatable relative to the cartridge jaw 110410 between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument 120000 further comprises a closure drive that is actuated by a closure trigger 10140 to move the anvil jaw 110420 into its closed position. More specifically, the closure trigger 10140 comprises a crank that pushes a closure tube 120240 of the shaft 120200 distally which contacts the anvil jaw 110420 and pushes the anvil jaw 110420 into its closed position. In alternative embodiments, the actuation of the closure trigger 10140 can operate an electric motor which drives the closure tube 120240. That said, embodiments having a mechanical coupling between the closure trigger 10140 and the closure tube 120240 provides the clinician with a feel of the clamping force being applied to the patient tissue while, on the other hand, a motor-driven system can assist the clinician with overcoming high clamping loads. In either event, the closure tube 120240 extends across the articulation joint 120500 and comprises a joint arrangement which accommodates the articulation of the end effector 110400 about the articulation joint 120500. Referring to FIGS. 158 and 159 , the closure tube 120240 includes a proximal portion 120242 engaged with a closure carriage slideable within the handle 120100, a distal portion 120244 positioned on a distal side of the articulation joint 120500, and links 120243 rotatably connecting the distal portion 120244 to the proximal portion 120242. The links 120243 extend across and are generally aligned with the articulation joint 120500 which permit the closure tube 120240 to slide distally regardless of the articulated orientation of the end effector 110400.

Further to the above, the closure drive switches the drive system 120900 of the surgical instrument 120000 from its articulation mode to its staple firing mode when the end effector 110400 is closed by the closure drive. More specifically, referring to FIGS. 169-174, the surgical instrument 120000 comprises a clutch assembly which is rotated from an articulation mode position (FIG. 169 ) to a staple firing mode position (FIG. 170 ) when the closure tube 120240 is advanced distally to close the end effector 110400. Referring primarily to FIG. 170 , the clutch assembly comprises the clutch 110290, discussed above, a clutch cam 110232, and a clutch collar 110234. Further to the above, referring primarily to FIGS. 172-174 , the clutch cam 110232 is slideably engaged with the clutch 110290 and, referring primarily to FIG. 170 , extends outwardly through a window 120245 defined in the closure tube 120240. Referring again to FIG. 170 , the clutch cam 110232 is affixed to the clutch collar 110234 and is rotatable with the clutch collar 110234. Referring primarily to FIG. 171 , the clutch collar 110234 is rotatably supported within a cavity 120224 defined in a nozzle 120220 of the shaft 120200 such that the clutch collar 110234 cannot translate, or at least substantially translate, within the cavity 120224. Such an arrangement provides a rotatable bearing for the clutch assembly. Moreover, as a result of this arrangement, the clutch cam 110232 does not translate. Instead, the clutch cam 110232 is slideable within a longitudinal slot 110292 defined in the clutch 110290 which permits the clutch 110290 to slide relative to the clutch cam 110232 when the clutch 110290 is driven proximally and/or distally by the firing rod 120160 to articulate the end effector 110400, as described above.

As discussed above, the distal displacement of the closure tube 120240 during the closure stroke causes the clutch assembly to switch from its articulation mode configuration (FIGS. 169 and 172 ) to its staple firing mode configuration (FIGS. 170 and 173 ). More specifically, a sidewall of the window 120245 defined in the closure tube 120240 contacts the clutch cam 110232 during the closure stroke which causes the clutch cam 110232, the clutch collar 110234, and the clutch 110290 to rotate as illustrated in FIGS. 170 and 173 . Notably, this rotation of the clutch 110290 rotates the clutch shoulder 110294 out of engagement with the drive notch 120164 defined in the firing rod 120160. That said, the clutch shoulder 110294 is still engaged with the drive notch 110254 defined in the articulation driver 110250 when the clutch 110290 is rotated into the staple firing mode configuration (FIGS. 170 and 173 ). In any event, the clutch 110290 and the articulation driver 110250 are operably de-coupled from the firing rod 120160 in the staple firing mode configuration and the firing rod 120160 is advanceable distally relative to the clutch 110290 and the articulation driver 110250 to push the firing bar 110710 distally through the staple firing stroke. Referring again to FIG. 162 , the firing bar 110710 further comprises a distal knife head 110720 including a tissue knife edge 110721 configured to cut patient tissue during the staple firing stroke, a cam 110722 configured to engage the anvil jaw 110420 during the staple firing stroke, and a cam 110724 configured to engage the cartridge jaw 110410 during the staple firing stroke.

As discussed above, the firing rod 120160 is moved proximally and/or distally to articulate the end effector 110400 and then advanced distally to perform the staple firing stroke. In various instances, as a result, the firing rod 120160 may not always be in the same position when the staple firing stroke is initiated. For instance, if the firing rod 120160 is advanced distally to articulate the end effector 110400, the firing rod 120160 will begin the staple firing stroke in a distal position relative to when the firing rod is retracted proximally to articulate the end effector 110400. To accommodate these different starting positions, the surgical instrument 120000 comprises a control system which tracks and/or evaluates the position of the firing rod 120160 before, when, and/or as the staple firing stroke is initiated. Referring to FIGS. 176-179 , the drive system 120900 comprises an encoder gear 120950 which is rotated by the gear train of the drive system 120900 when the drive system 120900 is operated. The drive system 120900 further comprises a trackable magnetic element, or magnetic element system, 120960 mounted to the encoder gear 120950 and the control system of the surgical instrument 120000 comprises an encoder 120970 which is configured to track the position of the firing rod 120160 by tracking the rotation of the encoder gear 120950. In at least one embodiment, the encoder 120970 comprises a Hall Effect sensor, for example. With data from the encoder 120970, the control system of the surgical instrument 120000 can compensate for the different beginning positions of the firing rod 120160 when the staple firing stroke is initiated. In various instances, the control system is configured to add stroke length to the staple firing stroke when the firing rod 120160 is positioned in a proximal starting position such that the tissue cutting edge 110721 of the firing bar 110710 is always at the same position, or nearly the same position, within the staple cartridge at the end of the staple firing stroke regardless of the angle and direction in which the end effector 110400 is articulated.

By way of example, further to the above, the firing rod 120160 is in a home position when the end effector 110400 is in an unarticulated position as illustrated in FIG. 163 . Stated another way, the firing rod 120160 has not been moved proximally or distally to articulate the end effector 110400 when the firing rod 120160 is in its home position and is, as a result, in a center position within the articulation range. With reference to this home position of the firing rod 120160, the control system adapts the operation of the stapling instrument 120000 to perform the staple firing stroke. When the staple firing stroke is initiated from the home position of the firing rod 120160, the control system operates the electric motor 120910 a set, or predetermined, number of rotations—as measured by the encoder 120970—to perform the staple firing stroke. When the firing rod 120160 has been moved distally to articulate the end effector 110400 in its first direction, the control system operates the electric motor 120910 for a number of rotations which is less than the predetermined number of rotations to perform the staple firing stroke. The difference between these two numbers depends on the degree in which the end effector 110400 is articulated—a value which is also sensed by the encoder 120970 during the articulation mode. Correspondingly, the control system operates the electric motor 120910 for a number of rotations which is more than the predetermined number of rotations to perform the staple firing stroke when the firing rod 120160 has been pulled proximally to articulate the end effector 110400 in its second direction. As above, the difference between these two numbers depends on the degree in which the end effector 110400 is articulated—a value which is also sensed by the encoder 120970 during the articulation mode. Moreover, data from the encoder 120970 is also used by the control system to consistently retract the firing rod 120160 back to its home position after the staple firing stroke so that the surgical instrument 120000 can be re-used after the spent staple cartridge within the end effector 110400 has been replaced.

Further to the above, the control system of the surgical instrument 120000 is configured to monitor the current through the electric motor 120910 and adapt the operation of the surgical instrument 120000 based on the magnitude of the current flowing though the electric motor 120910. During the staple firing stroke, the force needed to transect the patient tissue and deform the staples can be high which results in a large current draw by the electric motor 120910. At the end of the staple firing stroke, i.e., at the time when the distal-most staples in the staple cartridge are being fired, the force needed to push the firing rod 120160 and firing bar 110710 distally may drop suddenly. This sudden drop in firing force corresponds to a sudden drop in the current being drawn by the electric motor 120910. The control system of the surgical instrument 120000 comprises a current detection circuit, such as an ammeter circuit, for example, which is configured to detect the current through the electric motor 120910 and, when the control system detects this sudden drop in current, the control system is configured to determine that the staple firing stroke is over and stop the electric motor 120910 to stop the distal movement of the firing rod 120160 and firing bar 110710. This arrangement, in co-operation with the encoder 120970, provides the control system with two independent systems for determining the end of the staple firing stroke. The current detection circuit can also provide the control system with data revealing an overload condition within the drive system. In such instances, the current through the electric motor 120910 may spike suddenly and the control system is configured to stop, or pause, the electric motor 120910 when a current threshold is exceeded to prevent the firing drive from being damaged. The above being said, the control system can comprise any suitable algorithm for controlling the operation of the surgical instrument 120000 based on data from the current monitoring system and/or encoder 120970.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the control system of the surgical instrument 120000 comprises a PID (Proportional, Integral, and Differential) velocity controller for controlling the electric motor 120910. The PID velocity controller comprises an algorithm used to perform closed-loop velocity, or speed, control of the firing rod 120160 and the firing bar 110710 along the longitudinal axis, or staple firing axis, extending through the end effector 110400. In at least one embodiment, the PID velocity control algorithm receives a velocity data input stream and an acceleration data input stream regarding the motion of the firing rod 120160 and is configured to adjust the speed of the electric motor 120910 to move the firing rod 120160 at a target velocity. In various instances, the PID velocity control algorithm calculates and/or determines proportional gain, integral gain, differential gain, velocity feed forward, acceleration feed forward, and/or jerk feed forward values for controlling the velocity of the firing rod 120160. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,434, entitled CLOSED LOOP VELOCITY CONTROL OF CLOSURE MEMBER FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, which issued on Sep. 3, 2019 is incorporated by reference herein. In any event, in various embodiments, the target velocity of the PID velocity controller can be set by the clinician and/or pre-set by the manufacturer of the surgical instrument 120000. In at least one such embodiment, the target velocity of the firing rod 120160 is set so high that it is physically unachievable by the surgical instrument 120000. In such embodiments, the PID velocity controller will mimic an open loop control of the velocity of the firing rod 120160.

Further to the above, the firing rod 120160 is retracted proximally by operating the electric motor 120910 in its second, or opposite, direction. That said, conditions may arise when the electric motor 120910 cannot retract the firing rod 120160 proximally. For instance, the battery of the surgical instrument 120000 may fail thereby leaving the surgical instrument 120000, and the motor 120910, in an unpowered state. In such instances, the bailout cover 110190′ (FIG. 154 ) can be removed to expose the bailout actuator 120990 (FIG. 176 ) which can be rotated, or cranked, to retract the firing rack 120150 proximally and pull the firing rod 120160 and firing bar 110710 back into an unfired position and/or a sufficiently-retracted position to disengage the firing bar 110710 from the anvil jaw 110420. Referring to FIG. 178 , the bailout actuator 120990 comprises a ratchet mechanism that is engageable with a rack of teeth on the top surface of the firing rack 120150 and can be cranked one or more times to sufficiently retract the firing rod 120160 and firing bar 110710. When the bailout actuator 120990 is actuated, further to the above, the bailout actuator 120990 pushes the gear 120930 out of engagement with the firing rack 120150 such that the bailout actuator 120990 does not backdrive the electric motor 120910 and/or the gear train between the gear 120930 and the electric motor 120910.

Once the firing rod 120160 and the firing bar 110710 have been retracted back into an unfired position, further to the above, the cam 110722 of the tissue cutting knife 110720 is no longer engaged with the anvil jaw 110420. At such point, the anvil jaw 110420 can be re-opened. To re-open the anvil jaw 110420, the closure tube 120240 is retracted proximally to dis-engage the distal portion 120244 of the closure tube 120240 from the anvil jaw 110420 such that the springs 10446 (FIG. 161 ) in the end effector 110400 uncompress and rotate the anvil jaw 110420 into its unclamped position. Referring to FIGS. 154-156 , the closure tube 120240 is retracted proximally when one or both of the release actuators 10180 a and 10180 b on the handle 120100 are actuated and the closure trigger 10140 is released. To this end, the handle 120100 comprises a spring that is compressed when the closure trigger 10140 is actuated and is configured to resiliently push the closure tube 120240 proximally when one or both of the release actuators 10180 a and 10180 b are actuated to unlock the closure drive. The retraction of the closure tube 120240 also disengages the closure tube 120240 from the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a biasing member, such as a torsion spring, for example, which, in such instances, automatically rotates the clutch assembly and returns the stapling instrument from its staple firing mode into its articulation mode in which the articulation drive is re-engaged with the staple firing drive.

As discussed above, closing the end effector 110400 of the surgical instrument 120000 uncouples the articulation drive from the drive system 120900. Stated another way, the end effector 110400 cannot be articulated once it is closed. In various embodiments, further to the above, the closure drive of the surgical instrument 120000 comprises one or more partially-closed positions for the end effector 110400. In a partially-closed position of the end effector 110400, the anvil jaw 110420 is not in a completely-closed position. In such embodiments, and in such instances, the articulation drive is still operably coupled to the firing rod 120160 even though the anvil jaw 110420 is in a partially-closed position. As a result, a clinician can, in some instances, better visualize the positioning of a partially-closed end effector 110400 relative to the patient tissue while still being able to adjust the articulated position of the end effector 110400. In at least one embodiment, the handle 120100 comprises a detent, or latch, feature which allows the closure trigger to be moved into and held in a partially-closed position while the articulation mode of the surgical instrument 120000 is still active. Once the clinician is satisfied with the positioning of the end effector 110400, the clinician can completely close the closure trigger which, as a result, decouples the articulation drive from the drive system 120900 as discussed above. In various embodiments, such as those comprising an electric motor for driving the closure system, the handle 120100 can comprise an actuator, or button, in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 120000 which, when actuated, causes the control system to move the anvil jaw 110420 into a partially-closed position in which the articulation mode is still active. Once the clinician is satisfied with the position of the end effector 110400, the clinician can depress another actuator, or button, in communication with the control system which, when actuated, causes the control system to move the anvil jaw 110420 into a completely-closed position and, as a result, decouples the articulation drive from the drive system 120900.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 176 and 177 , the control system of the surgical instrument 120000 comprises a control board 120800 including a processor, microchips, memory devices, and/or circuitry, for example, which controls the operation of the surgical instrument 120000 in response to inputs from the instrument controls and/or sensors of the surgical instrument 120000. In addition to the control board 120800, the control system can comprise a sub-board 120810 in communication with the control board 120800. In at least one embodiment, the sub-board 120810 can comprise a dedicated control circuit, such as a motor control circuit, for example. Referring to FIGS. 180-183 , the surgical instrument 120000 further comprises an orientation sensor, or switch, 120136 mounted to the control board 120800 and a movable switch element 120135. In at least one embodiment, the switch element 120135 comprises a pivotable lever, for example. Further to the above, the shaft 120200 is rotatable relative to the handle 120100 about a longitudinal axis through an entire rotation—360 degrees—about the longitudinal axis that is divided into a first orientation range in which a nozzle 120220 of the shaft 120200 is in contact with the switch element 120135 and the switch 120136 is in a closed state (FIG. 182 ) and a second orientation range in which the nozzle 120220 is not in contact with the switch 120136 and the switch 120136 is in an open state (FIG. 183 ). Similar to the above, the inner surface of the nozzle 120220 comprises an inner cam profile 120230 which comprises a small diameter region for contacting the switch element 120135 when the shaft 120200 is in the first orientation range and a large diameter region which does not contact the switch element 120135 when the shaft 120200 is in the second orientation range. When the control system of the surgical instrument 120000 detects that the switch 120136 is closed, further to the above, the control system responds to control inputs in a manner which is intuitive for the anvil jaw 110420 being in an up orientation. Correspondingly, the control system responds to control inputs in a manner which is intuitive for the anvil jaw 110420 being in a down orientation when the control system detects that the switch 120136 is open. For instance, the control system can run the electric motor 120910 in the first direction when an articulate-right control is actuated and the switch 120136 is in its closed state and a second, or opposite, direction when the articulate-right control is actuated and the switch 120136 is in its open state.

In various embodiments, as discussed in greater detail herein, surgical instruments, such as surgical stapling instruments, for example, comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector articulatable relative to the shaft by way of articulation controls positioned on the handle and/or another portion of the surgical instrument. The articulation controls can comprise any suitable combination of buttons and/or switches, for example, which allow a user to articulate the end effector in different directions relative to the shaft. For example, a first button on the handle, when pressed, will articulate the end effector in a left direction relative to the handle and a second button, when pressed, will articulate the end effector in a right direction relative to the handle. In at least one instance, a rocker switch, for example, can be used where the first button and the second button each comprise opposite ends of the rocker switch.

In addition to the above, the shaft of the surgical instrument is also rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to the handle. Such rotation also causes the end effector to rotate about the longitudinal axis. When the shaft of a stapling instrument is rotated 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis, the end effector can flip from an anvil-up orientation to an anvil-down orientation, for example. In such a scenario, the top jaw effectively becomes the bottom jaw. The shaft may then be rotated 180 degrees in the same or opposite direction, for example, to return the end effector to its original orientation. Regardless of the orientation of the shaft and end effector, one or both of the end effector jaws can be opened and closed to clamp tissue therebetween and the staple firing drive can be operated to fire staples from a staple cartridge seated in the cartridge jaw of the end effector.

To make using the surgical stapling instrument intuitive as possible, the articulation controls can also be flipped, or re-mapped, for example, when the end effector, and/or jaws of the end effector, are flipped. This can ensure that regardless of the orientation state of the end effector relative to the handle (anvil up/anvil down, for example), that the articulation controls always articulate the end effector in, not only the desired direction, but also the same direction relative to the handle. For example, when the anvil is in an anvil up orientation relative to the handle, a first articulation control, or button, will articulate the end effector in a right direction relative to the handle and a second articulation control, or button, will articulate the end effector in a left direction relative to the handle. When the shaft is rotated about its longitudinal axis to place the anvil in the anvil down orientation relative to the handle, the articulation controls can automatically be flipped by, for example, a control circuit. When the articulation controls are flipped, actuation of the first articulation control will still articulate the end effector in the right direction and actuation of the second articulation control will still articulate the end effector in the left direction. If the articulation controls are not flipped, or re-mapped, however, the articulation controls will articulate the end effector in the opposite direction when the end effector is upside-down (the anvil is in an anvil down position) as compared to when the end effector is right-side-up (the anvil is in the anvil up position).

Flipping, or remapping, the articulation controls on the fly as the shaft is rotated relative to the handle can be advantageous in that the user does not have to think about how the end effector originally articulated before the user rotated the end effector into an upside down orientation. The end effector will always articulate in the same direction relative to the handle. That being said, the end effector will not always be in a perfectly anvil up position or a perfectly anvil down position. Rather, the end effector may be rotated into any orientation between the anvil up position and the anvil down position. In such in-between positions, however, the anvil may be in a generally up position or a generally down position. If the anvil is in a generally up position, the control system is configured to respond to the articulation controls as if the anvil is in the anvil up position. Similarly, the control system is configured to respond to the articulation controls as if the anvil is the anvil down position if the anvil is in a generally down position. When the end effector is rotated right or left into, or near, a 90 degree position, however, it may be difficult, absent more, for the user to visibly discern whether or not the anvil is in a generally up or a generally down position and ascertain how the end effector may respond to the articulation controls.

In at least one instance, providing visual feedback of the flipping, or remapping, of articulation controls can help alert a user that the controls have been flipped, or, are about to be flipped, when the end effector rotation reaches a threshold orientation. The threshold orientation can comprise a scenario where, owing to shaft rotation, the end effector has been rotated in 90 degrees about the longitudinal shaft axis in either direction. Both of these orientations involve the anvil jaw being pivotable side-to-side to clamp tissue. It is at both of these orientations where end effector articulation can become completely vertical. This may cause some confusion as to whether or not a ‘right articulation control’ would articulate the end effector up or down and whether or not a ‘left articulation control’ would articulate the end effector up or down. It is also at these orientations where the articulation controls would be flipped at, and/or, upon passing these orientations.

FIGS. 194-196 depict a surgical stapling instrument 150000 which is similar in many respects to the surgical stapling instruments and assemblies described herein. The surgical stapling instrument 150000 comprises a visual indicator 150010 configured to show a user of the surgical stapling instrument 150000 when the shaft 120200, and thus the end effector, reach and/or pass an orientation threshold which causes the articulation actuator, or controls, 10160 to be flipped, or remapped. The visual indicator 150010 comprises a mark 150016 defined on a rib of the nozzle 120220 and a threshold mark 150012 defined on the handle 120100. The mark 150016 can comprise any suitable pattern or visual. In various instances, the mark 150016 comprises an indent, a raised surface, a painted surface, and/or a different texture surface, for example. In at least one instance, the mark 150016 is detectable by a user when the user touches the mark 150016. In various instances, the mark 150012 comprises an indent, a raised surface, a painted surface, and/or a different texture surface, for example.

Further to the above, the mark 150012 is affixed to the handle and is stationary during use of the instrument 150000 while the mark 150016 rotates with the shaft 120200 and the nozzle 120220. As the nozzle 120200 is rotated through a range of rotational motion, by a motor and/or manually by a user, for example, the mark 150016 can approach, reach, and then pass by the mark 150012. The mark 150012 indicates a threshold orientation where, when the mark 150016 on the nozzle 120220 passes the mark 150016 on the handle 120100, the articulation controls 10160 are flipped, or re-mapped. In at least one instance, the articulation controls 10160 comprise a rocker switch where the top switch articulates right and the bottom switch articulates left. When the threshold orientation is crossed, the user will know, based on seeing that the mark 150016 has passed the mark 150012 that the articulation controls are flipped, or remapped, and that the control system has compensated for the flipped orientation of the shaft and end effector. When the mark 150016 passes the mark 150012, as a result, the top switch still articulates the end effector to the right and the bottom switch still articulates the end effector to the left.

In various embodiments, the surgical stapling instrument 150000 further comprises an indicator light 150020 in communication with a control circuit of the surgical stapling instrument 150000 that is configured to alert a user when the output of the articulation controls 10160 has been adjusted. In at least one embodiment, the control circuit comprises a processor including one or more input gates and one or more output gates. The control circuit further comprises one or more sensors in communication with the input gates of the processor which deliver a voltage potential or signal to the processor that the shaft and end effector have reached a flipped orientation. Such sensors are disclosed throughout the Subject Application. The indicator light 150020 comprises a light emitting diode (LED), but could comprise any suitable indicator light. When illuminated, the indicator light 150020 emits one color and, when not illuminated, the indicator light 150020 does not emit a color. The indicator light 150020 is in communication with at least one of the processor output gates and is illuminated by the processor when the processor receives an input signal that the shaft and end effector have reached a flipped orientation. If the light 150020 is not on, the user will know that the output response of the articulation actuator 10160 is not flipped. In at least one alternative embodiment, the indicator light 150020 comprises a multi-color LED that emits one color when the indicator light 150020 receives a low, or off, voltage signal from the processor and emits a different color when the indicator light 150020 receives a high, or on, voltage signal from the processor.

In at least one instance, the indicator light 150020 alerts a user when the articulation actuator 10160 is about to be flipped and/or has been flipped. In at least one instance, the indicator light 150020 is illuminated by the processor of the control circuit in a pulsing, or flashing, manner when the shaft 120200 is in an orientation just before the threshold orientation indicating that the output response of the articulation actuators has not yet been flipped but may become flipped if the shaft and end effector are rotated further. The indicator light 150020 is illuminated by the processor in a constant manner when the shaft 120200 is at the threshold orientation and past the threshold orientation indicating that the output response of the control circuit has been switched. The processor does not illuminate the indicator light 150020 when the shaft and end effector are not near the threshold orientation and the output response of the articulation actuators has not been flipped. In at least one instance, the pulsing is configured to gradually change speed based on how close the shaft 120200 is to the orientation threshold. For example, the closer the shaft 120200 is to the orientation threshold, the faster the indicator light 150020 will flash.

Further to the above, the indicator light 150020 is configured to be illuminated with different colors corresponding to the different states of the orientation of the shaft 120200 relative to the handle 120100. For example, the light 150020 can be illuminated green indicating that the shaft 120200 is not near the threshold orientation and that the output response to the articulation controls has not been changed. The light 150020 can be changed to amber when the shaft 120200 starts approaching the threshold orientation and the output response to the articulation controls has not been changed. The light 150020 can be changed to red when the output response to the articulation controls has been changed. In at least one embodiment, the light 150020 is pulsated red when the shaft 120200 passes the threshold orientation. In at least one embodiment, the light 150020 is pulsated amber when the shaft 120200 gets further from the threshold orientation.

In at least one instance, auditory feedback is used in addition to or in lieu of visual indicators and/or lights, for example, to indicate that the rotation of the shaft is near, at, and/or beyond the threshold orientation. For example, a speaker in communication with the processor can be employed to audibly alert a user with pulsating sounds, different sounds, sounds varying in volume and/or rhythm, and/or sounds comprising spoken information, for example.

In various instances, various types of surgical instruments are used with a surgical hub in a surgical operating suite. Some surgical hubs are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/940,656, entitled SURGICAL HUB COORDINATION OF CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION OF OPERATING ROOM DEVICES, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument, such as the stapling instrument 150000, for example, comprises a wireless signal transmitter that transmits data regarding the stapling instrument 150000 to the surgical hub. In various instances, the surgical hub comprises at least one display screen visible to one or more clinicians in the surgical operating suite. The display screen may comprise a variety of information comprising instrument status, patient data, and/or operational procedural data, for example. FIGS. 197 and 198 each depict a display option 150100 and 150110 where the display can show the status of various devices connected to the hub. This information can include the orientation state of the end effector relative to the handle, for example. In at least one instance, the display is configured to alert a user of the current status regarding the orientation state of the end effector relative to the handle and whether or not the articulation controls are flipped. For example, the display 150100 shows that the connected surgical instrument, by way of wireless communication, for example, is in an anvil down orientation and that the articulation actuator has been flipped, or reversed. The display 150100 can be used in addition to or in lieu of the indicator light 150020. In various embodiments, the display 150100 and the indicator light 150020 are co-ordinated and/or updated simultaneously to show the change, or lack of change, in the output response of the control system to the control actuators. In various embodiments, the information displayed on the handle of the surgical instrument is also displayed on the hub display 150100. In at least one such embodiment, the manner in which the information is displayed on the handle is the manner in which the data is displayed on the hub display 150100.

As discussed above, sensors and/or switches are used in conjunction with one or more components of a surgical stapling instrument to determine the orientation of the shaft relative to the handle. FIG. 199 depicts a surgical stapling assembly 151000 comprising a handle 151010 and a shaft assembly 151200 rotatable relative to the handle 151010. The shaft assembly 151200 comprises a proximal nozzle 151210 and a plurality of shafts 151220 extending longitudinally through the shaft assembly 151200 along a longitudinal axis toward an end effector extending from the shaft assembly 151200. The shafts 151220 comprise a firing rod 151220 and a frame, or channel retainer, 151222. All of the components of the shaft assembly 151200, and the end effector, are rotatable together relative to the handle 151010 about the longitudinal axis. The stapling assembly 151000 further comprises a sensing, or detecting, system configured to monitor the orientation of the shaft assembly 151200 relative to the handle 151010. Data from the sensing system is fed to a control circuit of the surgical stapling assembly 151000, and/or the surgical hub, constantly or at predetermined sample rate that the control circuit uses to assess whether or not to change the output response of the articulation controls of the stapling assembly 151000. The sensing system comprises a magnetic element, such as magnet 151310, for example, mounted on the frame 151222 and a Hall Effect sensor 151320 mounted directly on a printed circuit board 151300 positioned within the handle 151010. As discussed further below, the Hall Effect sensor 151320 is in communication with the control circuit of the stapling assembly 151000. In addition to or in lieu of the Hall Effect sensor 151320, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, a position sensor, a force sensor, and/or a piezo sensor, for example, can be utilized.

As the shaft assembly 151200 is rotated relative to the handle 151010, the magnet 151310 rotates with the shaft assembly 151200. This rotation of the magnet 151310 is detectable by the Hall Effect sensor 151320 which produces a different voltage output for each rotated orientation of the shaft assembly 151200. This information can be utilized by a control circuit to automatically switch, or remap, articulation controls positioned on the handle when the shaft assembly 151200 has reached or crossed an orientation threshold. In various instances, two or more magnets can be used so as to provide a discrete output that is uniquely paired with a discrete orientation of the shaft assembly 151200.

FIGS. 200-202 depict a surgical stapling assembly 152000 which is similar in many respects to various other surgical stapling assemblies disclosed herein, such as the surgical stapling assembly 151000 depicted in FIG. 199 , for example. The stapling assembly 152000 comprises a handle 152010 and a shaft assembly 152200 rotatable relative to the handle 152010. The shaft assembly 152200 comprises a proximal nozzle 152210 and a plurality of shafts 152220 extending through the handle 152010 and the shaft assembly 152200 toward an end effector. The shafts 152220 comprise a firing rod 152220 and a frame, or channel retainer, 152222. Because the end effector is rotatable about a longitudinal shaft axis, all of the components of the shaft assembly 152200 are rotatable relative to the handle 152010. The surgical stapling assembly 152000 further comprises a sensing system comprising a magnet ring 152310 mounted within the nozzle 152210 and a Hall Effect sensor 152320 mounted directly on a printed circuit board 152300 positioned within the handle 152010. As can be seen in FIG. 202 , the magnet ring 152310 is divided into two halves. One half of the magnet ring 152310 comprises a first polarity and the other half of the magnet ring 152310 comprises a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The differing polarities can be aligned within the shaft assembly such that the Hall Effect sensor can detect when the shaft assembly 152200 passes the threshold orientation. One polarity can indicate the anvil up position and the other polarity can indicate the anvil down position. This information can be fed to a control circuit of the stapling assembly 152000 to automatically remap the articulation controls of the stapling assembly 152000 and/or alert a user of the switched output of the articulation controls. FIG. 203 depicts an alternative magnet ring 152410 which uses a plurality of alternating polarities along the circumference of the magnet ring 152410. In at least one instance, the alternating polarities are monitored by a control circuit with the Hall Effect sensor. Utilizing a magnet and a Hall Effect sensor in the manner discussed above can eliminate the resistance caused when physically contacting a switch element, for example, and increase the longevity the stapling assembly.

In various embodiments, a surgical stapling assembly comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector attached to the shaft by way of an articulation joint. The end effector is articulatable relative to the shaft by way of an articulation drive that is controlled by articulation controls, or actuators, positioned on the handle, for example, that are used to orient the end effector within a patient when the end effector is in an open, or unclamped, configuration. As discussed in greater detail herein, the surgical stapling assembly comprises a staple firing drive that is used to drive the articulation drive when the articulation drive system is coupled to the staple firing drive. The stapling assembly further comprises a closure drive configured to move the end effector from its open configuration toward a fully-clamped configuration. More specifically, the closure drive, when actuated, moves a movable jaw of the end effector from an unclamped position to a fully-clamped position. The stapling assembly comprises a clutch which decouples the articulation drive from the firing drive when the movable jaw passes a partially-closed threshold position. Until the movable jaw reaches the threshold position, however, the end effector can be articulated while partially closed. Such an arrangement can permit the end effector to be articulated while in a partially closed position yet prevent a user from articulating the end effector when the end effector is fully clamped onto the patient tissue. Moreover, allowing a user to articulate a partially clamped end effector can be helpful when an end effector with a wide jaw aperture is being used as such end effectors may be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. However, absent more, a user may not know when the end effector has passed the partial closure threshold position and is no longer capable of being articulated.

FIGS. 204-207 depict a surgical stapling assembly 152500 comprising a handle 152510, a shaft assembly 152520 extending from the handle 152510, and an end effector 152530 articulatable relative to the shaft assembly 152520 by way of an articulation joint 152525. The handle 152510 comprises articulation controls 152514 configured to be actuated by a user of the stapling assembly 152500 to articulate the end effector 152530. The shaft assembly 152520 comprises a nozzle 152521 and an elongate shaft portion 152523. The end effector 152530 comprises a cartridge channel jaw 152531 and an anvil jaw 152532 movable relative to the cartridge channel jaw 152531 between a fully-unclamped position (FIG. 204 ) and a fully-clamped position (FIG. 207 ). The handle 152510 further comprises a pistol grip portion 152511, a closure trigger 152512 configured to be actuated by a user of the stapling assembly 152500 to move the anvil jaw 152532 from the fully-unclamped position (FIG. 204 ) to the fully-clamped position (FIG. 207 ), and a firing trigger 152513 that is actuatable to fire the end effector 152530. In various alternative embodiments, the cartridge channel jaw 152531 is movable relative to the anvil jaw 152532 and the closure trigger is actuatable to move the cartridge channel jaw 152531 from a fully-unclamped position to a fully-clamped position.

The surgical stapling assembly 152500 further comprises a visual indicator 152550 configured to indicate whether or not the end effector 152530 is still articulatable based on the closure state of the end effector 152530. In various embodiments, the visual indicator 152550 comprises an LED in electrical communication with an output gate of a control circuit processor that is illuminated when the end effector is articulatable, i.e., that the end effector has not been closed beyond the partial closure threshold position. When the control circuit processor detects that the end effector has been closed beyond the partial closure threshold position, the control circuit processor de-illuminates the visual indicator 152550 to indicate that the end effector 152530 can't be articulated. As discussed further below, the control circuit comprises at least one sensor in communication with an input gate of the control circuit processor that provides data to the control circuit processor regarding the closure state of the end effector.

In various alternative embodiments, the LED of the visual indicator 152550 is not illuminated when the end effector 152530 is articulatable and is illuminated when the end effector 152530 is not articulatable. In at least one such embodiment, the control circuit processor flashes the visual indicator 152550 when the clutch decouples the articulation drive from the staple firing drive which disables the user's ability to articulate the end effector 152530. FIG. 204 illustrates the anvil jaw 152532 in a fully open, or unclamped, position and the visual indicator 152550 in an unilluminated condition. FIG. 205 illustrates the anvil jaw 152532 in a first partially-clamped position and the visual indicator 152550 in an unilluminated condition. FIG. 206 illustrates the anvil jaw 152532 in a second partially-clamped position. The second partially-clamped position comprises the partially-clamped threshold position and, thus, the visual indicator 152550 is activated. FIG. 207 illustrates the anvil jaw 152532 in a fully-clamped position and the visual indicator 152550 in an activated condition. Consistent with the deactivation of the visual indicator 152500 in FIGS. 204 and 205 , the end effector 152530 is articulatable in the conditions illustrated in FIGS. 204 and 205 . The end effector 152530 is not articulatable in the positions illustrated in FIGS. 206 and 207 . This inability to articulate the end effector 152530 is indicated by the activation of the visual indicator 152550.

In various embodiments, the visual indicator 152550 comprises two or more lights. In at least one embodiment, one light of the visual indicator 152550 is illuminated green if the end effector 152530 is still capable of being articulated and the anvil jaw 152532 has not been closed past the partially-clamped threshold position. Another light of the visual indicator 152550 will illuminate a different color, such as red, for example, when the anvil jaw 152532 reaches and/or passes the partially-clamped threshold position indicating that the end effector 152530 is no longer capable of being articulated. In at least one instance, one light of the visual indicator 152550 will pulsate with a gradually changing frequency corresponding to the position of the anvil jaw 152532. For example, a light of the visual indicator 152550 will blink slowly when the anvil jaw 152532 is fully open. As the anvil jaw 152532 approaches the partially-clamped threshold position, the light of the visual indicator 152550 will pulsate faster and faster and, when the anvil jaw 152532 reaches and/or passes the partially-clamped threshold position, the light of the visual indicator 152550 will stop flashing and remain solidly illuminated. In at least one instance, the light of the visual indicator 152550 will change colors when the anvil jaw 152532 passes the partially-clamped threshold position.

While the anvil jaw 152532 is in the fully-clamped position, in at least one embodiment, the light of the visual indicator 152550 may blink red slowly indicating that the end effector 152530 is far from being able to be articulated. As the anvil jaw 152532 is opened from the fully-clamped position, the slow-pulsating red light pulses faster and faster as the anvil jaw 152532 approaches the partially-clamped threshold position. The light flips to solid green just after passing the partially-unclamped threshold position.

FIG. 208 depicts a handle 153000 of a surgical stapling instrument which is similar in many respects to the surgical instrument handles disclosed herein. The handle 153000 comprises a sensor 153020 and a sensor input device 153010 detectable by the sensor 153020. In at least one instance, the sensor 153020 comprises a Hall Effect sensor and the sensor input device 153010 comprises a magnet, although any suitable arrangement could be used. The magnet 153010 is mounted on the top portion 10144 of the closure trigger 10140. The Hall Effect sensor 153020 is mounted directly on the control board 120800 and is in communication with the control circuit of the surgical stapling instrument. The Hall Effect sensor 153020 is configured to detect the position of the magnet 153010 and, thus, detect the rotational position of the closure trigger 10140. Given that the rotational position of the anvil jaw 152532 is linked to the rotational position of the closure trigger 10140, the control circuit can use the detected rotational position of the closure trigger 10140 as a proxy for the rotational position of the anvil jaw 152532. In such embodiments, a sensor down in the end effector 152530, and the signal path back to the handle 153000, can be avoided.

FIG. 209 depicts a shaft assembly 153100 of a surgical instrument assembly which is similar in many respects to the shaft assemblies disclosed herein. The shaft assembly 153100 comprises a sensor 153110 mounted within a nozzle 153101 and a sensor input device 153120 mounted on the rotatable collar 110234 that is detectable by the sensor 153110. In at least one instance, the sensor 153110 comprises a Hall Effect sensor and the sensor input device 153120 comprises a magnet, although any suitable arrangement could be used. The sensor 153110 is in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument assembly and is configured to detect the rotation of the rotatable collar 110234 (FIG. 131 ) which can provide an indication to the control circuit as to closure state of the end effector 152530 given that the rotatable collar 110234 is rotated by the closure drive during the closure stroke. In effect, the control circuit can use the detected rotational position of the collar 110234 as a proxy for the rotational position of the anvil jaw 152532. As above, a sensor down in the end effector 152530, and the signal path back to the handle 153000, can be avoided in such arrangements.

An end effector 130400 is illustrated in FIGS. 184-187 . The end effector 130400 comprises a cartridge jaw 130410 and an anvil jaw 130420 rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 130410. The cartridge jaw 130410 comprises a proximal end 130411, a distal end 130414, and a channel 130413 extending between the proximal end 130411 and the distal end 130414. The channel 130413 is configured to closely receive a staple cartridge 130430 therein such that there is little, if any, relative movement between the staple cartridge 130430 and the channel 130413. The staple cartridge 130430 and the channel 130413 comprise co-operating snap-fit and/or press-fit features which releasably hold the staple cartridge 130430 in the cartridge jaw 130410. The staple cartridge 130430 comprises a cartridge body including staple cavities 130438 defined therein and staples removably stored in the staple cavities 130438. The staple cartridge 130430 further comprises staple drivers configured to support the staples and a sled movable from a proximal position to a distal position to drive the staple drivers and staples toward the anvil jaw 130420 during a staple firing stroke. When the staple cartridge 130430 is seated in the channel 130413, the staple cartridge 130430 is positioned over a rotatable drive screw 130710 extending through the cartridge jaw 130410 such that the sled is positioned in front of a tissue cutting knife 130720 threadably engaged with the drive screw 130710. The rotatable drive screw 130710 comprises a proximal end operably coupled to an electric motor in the handle of the surgical instrument and a distal end rotatably supported by a bearing 130416 defined in the distal end 130414 of the cartridge jaw 130410. When the drive screw 130710 is rotated in a first direction, the drive screw 130710 drives the tissue cutting knife 130420 distally from an unfired position to push the sled through the staple firing stroke. When the drive screw 130710 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the drive screw 130710 retracts the tissue cutting knife 130720 back into its unfired position. Notably, the sled is not retracted proximally with the tissue cutting knife 130720. As a result, in various embodiments, the sled can be used as part of a missing cartridge/spent cartridge lockout which prevents a spent staple cartridge from being fired after it has been previously fired.

Further to the above, the anvil jaw 130420 comprises a proximal end 130421 rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 130410 about a pivot, discussed further below, and a distal end 130424 movable toward and away from a distal end 130434 of the staple cartridge 130430. The anvil jaw 130420 further comprises staple forming pockets 130428 (FIG. 190 ) defined therein which are registered with the staple cavities 130438, and the staples positioned in the staple cavities 130438, of the staple cartridge 130430 when the anvil jaw 130420 is in a clamped position. Moreover, the anvil jaw 130420 further comprises an opening 130422 defined therein which is configured to receive and provide clearance for a top flange 130722 of the tissue cutting knife 130720 when the anvil jaw 130420 is in its closed position. Further to the above, the tissue cutting knife 130720 is movable distally from its proximal unfired position (FIG. 187 ) to perform the staple firing stroke and cut patient tissue with a knife edge 130271 defined thereon. When the tissue cutting knife 130720 is moved distally, the top flange 130722 is no longer aligned with the opening 130422 and, instead, the top flange 130722 enters into an internal longitudinal slot defined in the anvil jaw 130420. The flange 130722 is configured to hold the anvil jaw 130420 in position during the staple firing stroke in co-operation with a bottom flange extending from the tissue cutting knife 130720 that is engaged with the cartridge jaw 130410. In such instances, the anvil jaw 130420 cannot be re-opened unless the tissue cutting knife 130720 is retracted proximally out of engagement with the anvil jaw 130420.

Further to the above, the anvil jaw 130420 comprises a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a trunnion 130425 extending from each of the first and second lateral sides. The cartridge jaw 130410 comprises a first lateral sidewall closely aligned with the first lateral side of the anvil jaw 130420, a second lateral sidewall closely aligned with the second lateral side of the anvil jaw 130420, and an alignment slot 130415 defined in each of the first and second lateral sidewalls which closely receive a trunnion 130425 therein. The close lateral alignment between the cartridge jaw 130410 and the anvil jaw 130420 prevents the anvil jaw 130420 from sliding laterally relative to the cartridge jaw 130410. In various instances, there is a line-to-line lateral fit between the anvil jaw 130420 and the cartridge jaw 130410. Similarly, in various instances, there is a line-to-line fit between the trunnions 130425 and the sidewalls of the alignment slots 130415 which prevents the anvil jaw 130420 from sliding longitudinally relative to the cartridge jaw 130410 but permits the anvil jaw 130420 to rotate relative to the cartridge jaw 130410. That said, the rotation, or opening, of the anvil jaw 130420 is constrained when stop surfaces 130429 defined on the proximal end 130421 of the anvil jaw 130420 contact stops 130419 defined in the cartridge jaw 130410.

When the anvil jaw 130420 is assembled to the cartridge jaw 130410, further to the above, the trunnions 130425 are aligned with the open ends of the alignment slots 130415 defined in the cartridge jaw 130410 and then pushed into contact with the bottom ends of the alignment slots 130415. To retain the trunnions 130425 in this position, retaining clips 130440 are assembled to the trunnions 130425 and then welded to the cartridge jaw 130410. Each retaining clip 130440 comprises an aperture 130445 defined therein which is slid over and closely receives a trunnion 130425 therein. The trunnion 130425 is cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, and the aperture 130445 is circular, or at least substantially circular. The trunnion 130425 comprises an outer diameter which is equal to, or slightly smaller than, the diameter of the aperture 130445 such that the trunnion 130425 rotates within, but does not translate relative to, the retaining clip 130440. Each retaining clip 130440 further comprises a circular, or an at least substantially circular, body and an alignment arm 130447 extending therefrom. The circular body of each retaining clip 130440 is closely received within a circular, or an at least substantially circular, recess 130417 defined in an outwardly-facing surface of the first and second lateral sidewalls of the cartridge jaw 130410. The alignment arm 130447 of each retaining clip 130440 comprises a rectangular member, or an at least substantially rectangular member, closely received within an alignment slot 130415. In various instances, each alignment slot 130415 comprises parallel, or at least substantially parallel, sidewalls extending from the open end of the alignment slot 130415 to the closed end. In at least one embodiment, the sidewalls of each alignment slot 130415 comprise tapered sidewalls extending from a larger open end to a smaller closed end. In either event, the alignment arms 130447 of the retaining clips 130440 interact with the sidewalls of the alignment slots 130415 which prevents the anvil jaw 130420 from sliding relative to the cartridge jaw 130410. In various instances, the retaining clips 130440 are welded to the cartridge jaw 130410 along the perimeter, or interface, between the retaining clips 130440 and the cartridge jaw 130410 to hold the retaining clips 130440 in position.

An end effector 131400 is illustrated in FIGS. 188-190 and is similar to the end effector 130400 in many respects, most of which will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. The end effector 131400 comprises a cartridge jaw 131410 and retaining clips 131440 which hold the anvil jaw 130420 to the cartridge jaw 131410. Similar to the above, the retaining clips 131440 prevent the anvil jaw 130420 from translating relative to the cartridge jaw 131410 but permit the anvil jaw 130420 to rotate relative to the cartridge jaw 131410 between open and closed positions. Each retaining clip 131440 comprises a circular body closely received within a circular recess defined in the cartridge jaw 131410 and alignment flanges 131447 extending therefrom which are closely received in corresponding recesses 131417 defined in the cartridge jaw 131410. The alignment flanges 131447 and the recesses 131417 are sized and configured to prevent the retaining clips 131440 from rotating relative to the cartridge jaw 131410. Moreover, the alignment flanges 131447 of each retaining clip 131400 extends in opposite directions and co-operate to resist the lateral, or sideways, rotation of the anvil jaw 130420 relative to the cartridge jaw 131410. Each retaining clip 131440 provides two points of control via the alignment flanges 131447 resulting in a four-point control of the anvil jaw 130420. Additionally, each alignment flange 131447 comprises a control peg, or pin, 131446 extending therefrom which is closely received in an aperture 131416 defined in the cartridge jaw 131410 which assists in stabilizing the retaining clip 131440 in position. Similar to the above, the retaining clips 131440 are welded and/or otherwise suitably affixed to the cartridge jaw 131410 to hold the anvil jaw 130420 in position.

As discussed above, the retaining clips 130440 and 131440 hold the anvil jaw 130420 in alignment with the cartridge jaw 130410. More specifically, the retaining clips 130440 and 131440 hold the staple forming pockets 130428 (FIG. 190 ) in registration with the staples stored in the staple cartridge 131430 such that the staples are properly deformed during the staple firing stroke. That said, the method used to assemble the end effectors 130400 and 131400 can have a large impact on reliably aligning the staple forming pockets 130428 with the staples. In various instances, a jig, or fixture, is used to assemble the end effector 130400 and/or 131400. In at least one instance, with reference to the end effector 130400, the cartridge jaw 130410 is seated in a first portion of the jig and the anvil jaw 130420 is positioned on top of the cartridge jaw 130410 such that the trunnions 130425 are positioned in the alignment slots 130415, as discussed above. At such point, a second portion of the jig is moved toward the first portion of the jig to cam, or nudge, the anvil jaw 130420 into its proper position relative to the cartridge jaw 130410 and hold the anvil jaw 130420 in its proper positon. In at least one embodiment, the jig comprises a lock which holds the second portion of the jig in position relative to the first portion. In any event, the first and second portions of the jig comprise control surfaces which control the position of the cartridge jaw 130410 and the anvil jaw 130420 within the jig. Once the jig is closed, the retaining clips 130440 are assembled to the trunnions 130425 and welded, or otherwise affixed, to the cartridge jaw 130410. The jig is opened to release the end effector 130400. At such point, the anvil jaw 130420 is properly secured in position such that the staple forming pockets 130428 will be aligned with the staples of a staple cartridge 130430 that is seated in the cartridge jaw 130410.

Further to the above, a staple cartridge is insertable into, and seatable within, a cartridge jaw of a stapling instrument. In various embodiments, the cartridge jaw comprises a stop, or datum, against which the staple cartridge can contact to make sure that the staple cartridge is seated in the correct position in the cartridge jaw. The stop is configured to prevent the staple cartridge from being inserted too deeply, i.e., proximally, into the end effector. Without such a stop, it is possible—in some instances and in some embodiments—for the staple cartridge to be inserted too deeply into the end effector such that the staple cartridge accidentally contacts the tissue cutting knife, for instance. In some such instances, the sled positioned in the staple cartridge may contact the tissue cutting knife before the staple cartridge is fully seated and, as a result, the sled may be accidentally, and prematurely, pushed distally within the staple cartridge from its unfired position. A sled in such a disturbed position would not be able to defeat or deactivate a staple firing lockout that keys off of the sled being in its unfired position at the outset of the staple firing stroke of the tissue cutting knife.

In addition to or in lieu of a cartridge stop in a cartridge jaw as discussed above, the anvil jaw of an end effector can comprise a cartridge stop configured to prevent a staple cartridge from being inserted too deeply, i.e., proximally, within the end effector. Referring to FIGS. 191-193 , an end effector 140400 of a surgical stapling instrument comprises a cartridge jaw 140410 and an anvil jaw 140420. The anvil jaw 140420 is rotatable relative to the cartridge jaw 140410; however, in various other embodiments, the cartridge jaw 140410 is rotatable relative to the anvil jaw 140420. In either event, the cartridge jaw 140410 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 140430 therein. The cartridge jaw 140410 defines a channel including a bottom wall 140412 and lateral sidewalls 140414 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 140412. When the staple cartridge 140430 is inserted into the channel, a proximal end 140432 of the staple cartridge 140430 is inserted between the cartridge jaw 140410 and the anvil jaw 140420 by a clinician and moved proximally into the end effector 140400. In many instances, the clinician is able to visually align the staple cartridge 140430 between the lateral sidewalls 140414 and visually determine the proper depth, i.e., proximal-to-distal position, of the staple cartridge 140430 along a longitudinal axis LA before seating the staple cartridge 140430 into the cartridge jaw 140410. The cartridge jaw 140410 and/or the staple cartridge 140430 comprise snap-fit and/or press-fit features which releasably secure the staple cartridge 140430 in the cartridge jaw 140410 when the staple cartridge 140430 is pushed into, i.e., seated within, the cartridge jaw 140410. In some instances, however, the clinician may mistakenly attempt to insert the staple cartridge 140430 too deeply, i.e., proximally, into the end effector 140400 when attempting to seat the staple cartridge 140430 within the cartridge jaw 140410. As such, the anvil jaw 140420 comprises cartridge stops 140422 which are configured to prevent the staple cartridge 140430 from contacting a firing bar 140710 of the stapling instrument when the staple cartridge 140430 is inserted into the end effector 140400.

Further to the above, the firing bar 140710 comprises a distal knife head 140720 including a tissue knife edge 140721 configured to cut patient tissue during a staple firing stroke, a first cam configured to engage the anvil jaw 140420 during the staple firing stroke, and a second cam configured to engage the cartridge jaw 140410 during the staple firing stroke. When the anvil jaw 140420 is in its open configuration and the firing bar 140710 has not been advanced through the staple firing stroke, referring to FIG. 192 , the cartridge stops 140422 extend distally with respect to the firing bar 140710 such that the staple cartridge 140430 cannot contact the firing bar 140710 when the staple cartridge 140430 is being loaded proximally into the end effector 140400. As a result, a sled 140440 positioned in a cartridge body 140450 of the staple cartridge 140430 isn't accidentally pushed forward out of its proximal unfired position (FIGS. 192 and 193 ) by accidentally contacting the firing bar 140710 prior to the staple firing stroke.

Once the staple cartridge 140430 has been properly seated in the cartridge jaw 140410, further to the above, the end effector 140400 can be moved into its clamped configuration (FIG. 193 ) such that the end effector 140400 can be inserted into a patient and/or clamped onto patient tissue. When the staple firing stroke is initiated, the firing bar 140710 is advanced distally past the cartridge stops 140422 to fire the staples stored in the cartridge body 140450. Stated another way, the cartridge stops 140422 are positioned and arranged such that they do not interfere with the firing bar 140710 during the staple firing stroke and/or when the firing bar 140710 is retracted back into its unfired position. Each cartridge stop 140422 comprises a tab, shoulder, wall, and/or flange, for example, extending downwardly from the anvil jaw 140420, i.e., toward the cartridge jaw 140410, such that the cartridge stops 140422 extend downwardly on the lateral sides of the firing bar 140710. That being said, the cartridge stops 140422 can comprise any suitable configuration and, in at least one embodiment, an anvil jaw 140420 may have only one cartridge stop 140422.

As a result of the above, the possibility of the sled 140440 being accidentally displaced distally out of its proximal unfired position prior to the staple firing stroke is reduced. When the sled 140440 is in its proximal unfired position when the staple firing stroke is initiated, further to the above, the sled 140440 can defeat or overcome a firing stroke lockout at the beginning of the staple firing stroke which permits the staple firing stroke to be performed. When the sled 140440 is not in its proximal unfired position when the staple firing stroke is initiated, the sled 140440 does not defeat or overcome the firing stroke lockout at the beginning of the staple firing stroke which prevents the staple firing stroke from being performed. The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, which issued on Dec. 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, which issued on May 16, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, which issued on Jan. 24, 2006; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which issued on Dec. 27, 2005, are incorporated by reference herein.

Further to the above, referring again to FIGS. 192 and 193 , the proximal end 140432 of the staple cartridge 140430 is positioned close to, but distally with respect to, the cartridge stops 140422 when the staple cartridge 140430 is seated in the cartridge jaw 140410. The cartridge stops 140422 extend behind the proximal end 140432 of the staple cartridge 140430 when the end effector 140400 is in its open configuration (FIG. 192 ) and in its clamped configuration (FIG. 193 ) such that there is clearance between the cartridge 140430 and the cartridge stops 140422 so that the end effector 140400 can be opened and closed.

Notably, further to the above, the distal knife head 140720 moves within a longitudinal slot 140421 defined in the anvil jaw 140420 between the cartridge stops 140422 during the staple firing stroke. The cartridge stops 140422 extend behind the staple cartridge 140430 on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot 140421. Also notably, the distal knife head 140720 moves within a longitudinal slot defined in the staple cartridge 140430 during the staple firing stroke. The longitudinal slot defined in the staple cartridge 140430 divides the proximal end 140432 of the staple cartridge 140430 into a first lateral side and a second lateral side and is aligned with, or substantially aligned with, the longitudinal slot 140421 in the anvil jaw 140420. As a result of this arrangement, one of the cartridge stops 140422 extends behind the first lateral side of the staple cartridge 140430 and the other cartridge stop 140422 extends behind the second lateral side of the staple cartridge 140430.

Further to the above, each cartridge stop 140422 comprises a distal edge 140423 which faces the staple cartridge 140430. Each distal edge 140423 comprises one or more surfaces which are configured to block the proximal movement of the staple cartridge 140430 without contacting the sled 140440. For instance, referring to FIG. 192 , the distal edge 140423 of each cartridge stop 140422 comprises a flat, or an at least substantially flat, surface 140425 which faces the staple cartridge 140430 when the end effector 140400 is in its open configuration and the staple cartridge 140430 is inserted into the end effector 140400. If the staple cartridge 140430 is inserted too deeply into the end effector 140400, the cartridge body 140450 of the staple cartridge 140430 contacts the cartridge stops 140422 instead of the sled 140440 contacting the cartridge stops 140422. If the sled 140440 were to contact the cartridge stops 140422, the staple cartridge 140430 would become spoiled and unuseable, as described above, and would need to be replaced. As a result of the arrangement of the end effector 140400, the staple cartridge 140430 may not be accidentally spoiled before it is fired which can reduce time during the surgical procedure and reduce the frustration of the clinician.

The surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The disclosures of International Patent Publication No. WO 2017/083125, entitled STAPLER WITH COMPOSITE CARDAN AND SCREW DRIVE, published May 18, 2017, International Patent Publication No. WO 2017/083126, entitled STAPLE PUSHER WITH LOST MOTION BETWEEN RAMPS, published May 18, 2017, International Patent Publication No. WO 2015/153642, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION, published Oct. 8, 2015, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0265954, filed Mar. 17, 2017, entitled STAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVEN ADVANCEABLE CLAMPING ELEMENT AND DUAL DISTAL PULLEYS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0265865, filed Feb. 15, 2017, entitled STAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVEN ADVANCEABLE CLAMPING ELEMENT AND DISTAL PULLEY, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0290586, entitled STAPLING CARTRIDGE, filed on Mar. 29, 2017, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC         DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT         HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which         issued on Feb. 21, 2006;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING         AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which         issued on Sep. 9, 2008;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS,         which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN         ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,         which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE         IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Pat. No.         7,845,537;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL         CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed         Feb. 14, 2008;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END         EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed         Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled         MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.         8,210,411;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,972, entitled MOTORIZED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,083.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY         RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled         MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR         DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat.         No. 8,220,688;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.         8,561,870;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE,         filed on Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13,         2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

-   -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled         SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER         LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and     -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled         SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR,         filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby         incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising: an anvil jaw; a cartridge channel jaw; a staple cartridge seatable in said cartridge channel jaw, wherein said staple cartridge comprises: a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end, and rows of staple cavities extending between said proximal end and said distal end; staples removably stored in said staple cavities; and a sled positioned in an unfired position in said proximal end, wherein said sled is movable distally during a firing stroke to deploy said staples from said staple cavities; a firing member assembly actuatable to move said sled through said firing stroke to deploy said staples from said staple cartridge, wherein said firing member assembly comprises: a firing shaft; and a distal portion connected to said firing shaft, wherein said distal portion comprises: an upper jaw-camming member configured to engage said anvil jaw during said firing stroke; a lower jaw-camming member configured to engage said cartridge channel jaw during said firing stroke; a tissue-cutting edge; and a tail portion extending proximally from said distal portion below said firing shaft; a lockout; and a lockout spring, wherein said lockout spring is in an initially-unloaded state prior to the beginning of said firing stroke, wherein said tail portion contacts said lockout spring during the beginning of said firing stroke such that said lockout spring applies a downward biasing force to said tail portion to bias said distal portion toward said lockout, wherein said lockout is configured to block said firing member assembly from moving distally past said lockout when said staple cartridge is not seated in said cartridge channel jaw, and wherein said sled is configured to support said distal portion from being blocked by said lockout when said staple cartridge is seated in said cartridge channel jaw and said sled is in said unfired position.
 2. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said lockout spring is configured to apply said downward biasing force to said tail portion at a location which is proximal to said tissue-cutting edge.
 3. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said lockout spring comprises lateral support flanges positioned within recesses defined in said cartridge channel jaw.
 4. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said lockout comprises a lock shoulder, and wherein said distal portion comprises a lock surface extending laterally therefrom which is configured to contact said lock shoulder to block the distal advancement of said firing member assembly when said staple cartridge is not seated in said cartridge channel jaw.
 5. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 4, wherein said tissue cutting edge does not extend distally beyond said lock shoulder when said lock surface contacts said lock shoulder.
 6. A surgical end effector assembly, comprising: an anvil jaw; a cartridge channel jaw; a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within said staple cartridge, wherein said staple cartridge is installed in said cartridge channel jaw; a firing member assembly actuatable through a firing stroke to deploy said staples from said staple cartridge, wherein said firing stroke comprises a beginning where said firing member assembly moves distally from a proximal-most position to an intermediate position, and wherein said firing member assembly comprises: a firing bar; and a distal head portion connected to said firing bar, wherein said distal head portion comprises: a first jaw-camming member and a second jaw-camming member configured to control a tissue-gap distance between said anvil jaw and said cartridge channel jaw during said firing stroke; a tissue-cutting edge; and a tail extension extending proximally from said distal head portion below said firing bar; a lockout configured to stop said firing member assembly from moving distally beyond said lockout; and a lockout spring, wherein said lockout spring is configured to: apply no force to said firing member assembly when said firing member assembly is in said proximal-most position; and apply a downward locking force to said tail extension during the beginning of said firing stroke to bias said firing member assembly toward said lockout.
 7. The surgical end effector assembly of claim 6, wherein said staple cartridge further comprises a sled movable between an unfired position and a fully-fired position by said firing member assembly, and wherein said sled is configured to prevent said firing member assembly from being blocked by said lockout when said sled is in said unfired position.
 8. The surgical end effector assembly of claim 7, wherein said distal head portion comprises a distal nose, wherein said sled comprises a proximal ledge, and wherein said distal nose is configured to catch said proximal ledge when said sled is in said unfired position.
 9. The surgical end effector assembly of claim 6, wherein said lockout spring is configured to apply said downward locking force to said tail extension proximal to said tissue-cutting edge.
 10. The surgical end effector assembly of claim 6, wherein said lockout spring comprises lateral support flanges positioned within recesses defined in said cartridge channel jaw.
 11. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising: a proximal shaft frame; an anvil jaw; a cartridge channel jaw; a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within said staple cartridge, wherein said staple cartridge is installed in said cartridge channel jaw; a firing member assembly actuatable through a firing stroke to deploy said staples from said staple cartridge, wherein said firing stroke comprises a beginning where said firing member assembly moves distally from an unfired position to an intermediate position, and wherein said firing member assembly comprises: a firing shaft; and a coupling element connected to said firing bar, wherein said coupling element comprises: a first jaw-camming member and a second jaw-camming member configured to control a tissue-gap distance between said anvil jaw and said cartridge channel jaw during said firing stroke; a knife; and a tail portion extending proximally from said coupling element below said firing bar; a lockout configured to stop said firing member assembly from moving distally beyond said lockout; and a lockout member attached to said proximal shaft frame, wherein said lockout member is configured to: apply no force to said firing member assembly when said firing member assembly is in said unfired position; and apply a downward locking force to said tail portion during the beginning of said firing stroke to bias said firing member assembly toward said lockout.
 12. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 11, wherein said staple cartridge further comprises a sled movable distally from an unspent position by said firing member assembly, and wherein said sled is configured to prevent said firing member assembly from being stopped by said lockout when said sled is in said unspent position.
 13. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 12, wherein said coupling element comprises a distal nose, wherein said sled comprises a proximal ledge, and wherein said distal nose is configured to catch said proximal ledge when said sled is in said unspent position.
 14. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 11, wherein said lockout member is configured to apply said downward locking force to said tail portion proximal to said knife.
 15. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 11, wherein said lockout member comprises lateral support flanges positioned within recesses defined in said cartridge channel jaw. 